Cairngorm Funicular Fails To Hit Planned Opening Date Again...
In an announcement which surprised no-one, save for the audacity of it's Christmas Eve release, HIE has advised public that the 'troubled' has missed its scheduled opening date of 20th December, four days earlier.
Apparently Contractor Balfour Beatty has substantially completed an extensive remediation programme to strengthen the 1.8km viaduct, however detailed inspections have shown that further work is required in some areas.
Cairngorm Estate owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), along with the contractor and consultants, will review the scope and nature of the outstanding works early in January, with a view to bringing the funicular back as early as possible in the new year.
Once the remediation works have been concluded, a series of mechanical safety testing, trial runs and staff training will follow. At the same time, HIE will maintain ongoing dialogue with the Health and Safety Executive.
In the meantime, resort operator Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd has launched its winter season with manufactured snow providing cover in the beginners’ area which can be accessed from the car park.
When there is suitable natural snowfall to enable skiing and snowboarding at higher levels, surface lifts will be available to provide access.
Snowsports enthusiasts are advised to check condition reports that are regularly updated on the resort’s website: www.cairngormmountain.co.uk
HIE will provide a further update in January... SIN can't wait. Oh, should you think it can be bulldozed estimates are that £52 million would need to be spent to get rid of the funicular and replace it with a gondola.
As an extra cherry on the cake, an extra £2 million would need to be returned to the EU if it is dismantled within the next two years.