The potential World Heritage site of the Cairngorms, Am Monadh Ruath, contain 5 of Scotland's 4000-foot-plus hills. They cover a massive area, stretching fifty miles across Scotland, and feature part of the ancient Caledonian forest, plus three snowfields which melted just three times during the 20th century. So just what is going on in one of this country's few remaining unspoilt areas? The custodians of the Cairngorms Estate, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, have poured £9 million of public money into a £15 million hare-brained scheme to run a 1.25 mile long funicular railway to the top of 4,084 ft Cairn Gorm. Objectors have reacted with disgust to the damage being done to the fragile eco-system by construction work, including use of explosives. All this is being done to gouge a railway and tunnel to carry people to a visitor centre and panoramic restaurant atop one of Scotland's most famed mountains. A former Mountaineering Council President and member of the access and conservation committee is quoted as saying : "The shoddy purpose of this rape of a mountain is to milk widows who are on bus tours of a few quid for the sake of a soggy hamburger and a view of the mist at 4,000 feet." Strong words, but heartfelt. HIE claims that the project will create 70 jobs and secure 2,500 in the area. Insisting that the project was subjected to the toughest scrutiny by the Scottish Executive, Scottish National Heritage and the EU before approval, it is carrying on in the face of mounting opposition. As new facts emerge about the project, more objections are being raised. Chief Executive Iain Robertson left HIE to take up a lucrative post with Morrisons, the contractor building the funicular. And HIE's own environmental adviser Dr Adam Watson resigned as he felt that his advice on damage limitation was being ignored. Dave Hewitt, of the Angry Corrie magazine for hill enthusiasts, stated "The main objection is the erosion and the trashing of the hill, and there is general horror at mechanical diggers and roads in the hills. There is a big division between the people on the ground who get out and about in the Cairngorms, and the people in suits." The HIE has also angered local businesses in the Strathspey and Badenoch areas for claiming that the funicular would attract 225,000 visitors a year. These figures have now been downgraded to a target of 165,000 p.a., whilst an independent report stated that the real figures would be between 77,000 and 104,000. Hillwalkers, skiers, snowboarders, climbers and environmentalists are threatening to boycott Aviemore during the lucrative winter season, which could force local hotels, boarding houses, cafes, restaurants and garages out of business. The local economy could not long survive such a threat. Watch this space. Visit the website at www.thecairngorms.com and register your disapproval - there is an online petition to fill in plus many more background facts. Return to Articles Index |
