The Cairngorm funicular railway, which provides access to the UK's highest altitude, has been given planned annual maintenance, detailed inspections and major viaduct repair work. It will suspend its service for three weeks starting May 12.
The official statement from Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd confirmed the closure. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) said that maintenance had actually been postponed from November in order to minimise any potential inconvenience to visitors. Other parts of the resort will remain open daily during this period.
Maintenance Work Will Be Comprehensive
During the closure, HIE’s contractor Balfour Beatty will carry out vital viaduct repairs and infrastructure inspections on the funicular railway. These extensive tasks include maintenance of the transmission, lubrication of the undercarriage and rigorous testing of the rail welds.
Engineers will also carry out rail grinding operations to continuously ensure optimum performance of the funicular railway. The main aim of this detailed maintenance plan is to maximise long-term safety and minimise any future disruptions to the funicular railway service.
The Funicular's History is Full of Big Investments and Challenges
Opened in 2001 at a cost of around £19,5 million, the funicular railway connects Aviemore's main station to the popular summit restaurant and major ski area at Cairn Gorm, at an altitude of 1.097 metres (3.599 feet).
However, due to structural concerns identified in 2018, the funicular railway was temporarily suspended and a major £2021m repair programme was launched in 25. The project has been delayed for a variety of reasons including the pandemic, adverse weather conditions and supply chain disruptions. Engineers transported around 800 tonnes of concrete by air across difficult terrain and restored the site with great care to avoid damaging the sensitive peatlands.
After lengthy repair work, the funicular railway was put back into service in January 2023, but was briefly paused again in August for adjustments. The funicular railway returned to full operation in February 2024 and is now preparing for its first planned annual maintenance cycle since reopening.
HIE officials emphasized that these preventive maintenance efforts protect this vital transportation and tourism asset for the region. By addressing mechanical and structural needs at an early stage, they aim to ensure that the funicular railway remains safe, reliable and attractive to visitors throughout the year.
