29 January 2019, 09:32
The Cairngorm funicular railway is to remain out of operation throughout the summer months and possibly beyond, following a detailed investigation into concerns over the structure.
The investigation, by specialist engineers COWI, was commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), which owns the facility, following safety concerns raised in a general inspection last autumn.
Engineers have concluded that the structure does not present an immediate danger to the public. However, the safety margin is lower than desirable and a series of measures should be put in place to address weaknesses before resumption of service.
COWI carried out the investigation between September and December last year, including excavating around foundations and intrusive investigations of the structure.
Work is required to strengthen the piers, beams and foundations, and install new bearings with higher load and movement capacity.
HIE is currently exploring the scope and cost of these works, and this is expected to take several weeks.
At the same time, HIE is commissioning an independent peer review of COWI’s report, in line with industry best practice for complex investigations of this nature.
Work on the structure of the funicular can only be carried out during summer months when the mountain is more accessible to contractors. It will therefore remain out of service for the remainder of the current winter season and throughout the summer months and possibly longer.
New snow making equipment began operating in December and is proving popular with beginners. Up to 100 skiers a day can access artificial snow on the lower slopes, and ski tows can provide uplift to higher parts of the mountain when there is enough natural snowfall and conditions are favourable.
Looking forward, HIE subsidiary operating firm, Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited (CMSL), is starting to develop a range of alternative options to offer summer visitors.
Susan Smith, HIE’s head of business development, said:
“We have considered carefully the implications of the investigation and concluded it will take considerable time to design, procure and complete the necessary works.
“Our goal is to have the funicular up and running as soon as is safe to do so, but in the meantime, we anticipate it will remain out of service throughout the summer months and possibly beyond. We will provide further updates as things progress.”
Ross Harris, interim chief executive of CMSL, added:
“Cairngorm Mountain is an outstanding all year-round tourist attraction. The funicular is of course a unique feature of Cairngorm, but there is so much more to experience. We are working hard to ensure that we continue to provide the best experience possible for our snowsports customers who can access the mountain using our network of tows and we are confident we can build on an already attractive offering for our summer visitors. We are focused on making Cairngorm Mountain a ‘must visit’ destination because we know that in doing so the resort will continue to provide economic benefits for the entire Strathspey area for years to come.”
ENDS.
HIE Communications
Senior Communications Manager
HIE
01463 383043
calum.macfarlane@hient.co.uk
Contact: Calum Macfarlane, HIE Communications, 01463 383043, calum.macfarlane@hient.co.uk
A report following inspection of the Cairngorm Funicular was delivered to HIE on 3 September 2018, after concerns were raised in the annual inspection. The then operator introduced service restrictions on 5 September. On 10 September, specialist contractor COWI, was appointed to carry out a detailed structural investigation, and on 1 October the funicular was taken out of service completely.
Operating firm, Cairngorm Mountain Limited (CML), went into administration in November 2018. HIE, which owns the resort and infrastructure, established a subsidiary, Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited (CMSL), which took over operations on 14 December 2018. All employees of CML became employees of CMSL.
HIE received an initial report of the COWI investigation report on 21 December 2018, and this was then analysed by specialists at The Highland Council. HIE then asked COWI to design the necessary repair works before a tendering exercise can be carried out.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is the Scottish Government’s economic and community development agency for a region covering more than half of Scotland, including more than 90 inhabited islands. We work with communities, enterprises, and stakeholders to unlock our region’s potential for growth and progress, while driving fair work and net zero practices.
Our purpose is to build and sustain a greener, fairer and more resilient region that benefits everyone. We offer support and investment to a wide range of projects that deliver on our priorities, which include a growing workforce, increased productivity, innovation and wages, and a just transition to net zero.
You can visit our website at http://www.hie.co.uk
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