Go-ahead still awaited for return of the Cairngorm funicular
The green light is still awaited for the resumption of the operation of the Cairngorm funicular following its repair.
A Highlands and Islands Enterprise spokesman said: “The timescale now is in the hands of the UK Government. We submitted applications for safety certificates for both the funicular infrastructure and the control system before Christmas, as planned.
“These are now with the Department for Transport and officials are recommending approval.
“The final step is for the safety case certification to be signed off by the Secretary of State for Transport and we are very hopeful of obtaining a positive outcome.”
The final repair bill for the funicular is expected to be in the region of £25 million – nearly £9 million more than first estimated.
Contractor Balfour Beatty carried out the works required to strengthen the viaduct that supports the two-kilometre track of the UK’s highest railway.
It has not run since September 2018 because of the safety concerns.
Tbe Department for Transport has been contacted for comment.
• Visit https://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/uplifts-update/ for the latest status for lifts at the resort.
