CEO Of Troubled Cairngorm Mountain To Retire, Resort Aims To Have Funicular Operational For Ski Season

The chief executive of the troubled Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd (CMSL) has announced that she is retiring later this month.

Cairngorm mountain's funicular remains inoperative following a series of stop-start repairs.

HIE has confirmed that remediation works on the funicular viaduct, led by contractor Balfour Beatty, are well advanced and it continues to aim for the service to be reintroduced for the coming 2024/25 snowsports season.

The funicular was withdrawn in August 2023, when an inspection found that the tension in some scarf joints, which link beams and piers along the 1.7km structure, was below the desired level.

The current programme also involves strengthening beams and diaphragms and carrying out associated grouting works.

From the start of September, the focus is moving onto the passing loop section above the mid-station, where two parallel tracks enable the upward and downward carriages to pass one another. Scaffolding is currently being installed so that this part of the work can be progressed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Once the remediation programme has been completed, a range of routine maintenance items will be completed prior to a period of testing, training and safety checks before the service is reintroduced.

Susan Smith, who has held the top job at the popular mountain resort near Aviemore for the past five years, has told staff she will leave the company at the end of September.

Initially seconded from estate owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in 2019 after the previous resort operator fell into administration, Ms Smith secured the role on a permanent basis following open recruitment in November 2021.

“Susan has been an exemplary leader at Cairngorm Mountain,” said Peter Mearns, who chairs the independent board that oversees CMSL’s activities.

“It isn’t only that she has steered the business through severe challenges, including Covid and the absence of our unique attraction, the funicular railway.

“Just as importantly, she has shown great tenacity in holding firm to a clear vision of developing Cairngorm as a popular, modern resort offering a diverse range of activities for whole families to enjoy in every season of the year.

“Under Susan’s leadership, the team has successfully delivered innovations such as mountain biking, our adventure playpark and a spectacular new carting ride, as well as making significant improvements to the car park, exhibition, viewing terrace and catering and retail experiences.

“All of these achievements are in addition to ensuring the Cairngorm Mountain ranger service continues to make a huge contribution to the environmental management of the estate.

“In a period of adversity, Susan has laid the foundations for future success at Cairngorm and we wish her a long and happy retirement.”

Susan Smith said: “Being chief executive of Cairngorm Mountain has been the role of a lifetime and I will miss the mountain and my friends and colleagues more than I can say.

“After a career spanning almost 40 years in economic and community development with HIE, this has been the most challenging situation I have ever faced, but also the most inspiring.

“On a busy day, with hundreds of happy customers enjoying themselves in this unique mountain environment, you just feel there’s nowhere else in the world you’d rather be.

“I’m so lucky to have worked with such a committed and experienced team at Cairngorm Mountain, who put their hearts and souls into offering visitors the best possible experience day in, day out.

“While I’m sad to be leaving, it’s a great comfort to know the resort could not be in better hands.”

CMSL plans to recruit a new chief executive next year, after the funicular has returned to service and the resort is again operating at full strength.

In the meantime, CMSL board member Tim Hurst will become interim chief executive, supported by technical operations manager Colin Matthew and land manager Jim Cornfoot, both of whom will take on greater management responsibility.

An experienced skier and mountaineer, Mr Hurst is being seconded to the role for two days a week from his current position as managing director of another HIE subsidiary, Wave Energy Scotland.

Tim Hurst said: “I am very pleased to be stepping into the role of interim chief executive and will benefit hugely from the skills and experience of Colin, Jim and the rest of the team.

“Our focus will be on making sure we continue to offer all our visitors a fantastic range of memorable experiences at Cairngorm and that the business is in great shape to recruit a permanent chief executive next year.

“We’re obviously looking forward to the funicular coming back into service this winter, which will make a big difference and get us ready to open a new, positive chapter at Cairngorm.”