CAIRNGORM Mountain (Scotland) Ltd has secured planning permission for the build of its mountain toboggan development.
Set to be the longest of its kind in the UK, it will stretch 1.3km down the Cairngorm mountainside – beginning at 715 metres above sea level.
Mike Gifford, chief executive of Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd, said, “We believe this project will be a real game changer for the resort. It will provide an important new source of income, helping to strengthen the company’s long-term financial sustainability and create opportunities for continued investment in the facilities, infrastructure and visitor experience at Cairngorm Mountain.
“Importantly, the development will also help underpin the future of skiing at Cairngorm Mountain. By creating a more diverse and financially sustainable business, with additional income throughout the year, it will strengthen the financial foundations needed to continue investing in the mountain’s winter operations, facilities and infrastructure. A stronger summer business will help support a stronger winter business.”
Independent economic research estimates that the toboggan could generate £484,000 in additional annual visitor expenditure across the wider Badenoch and Strathspey area, benefiting local accommodation providers, restaurants, shops, and other tourism businesses.
The project also represents an important investment in the future of the local visitor economy, encouraging people to visit outside the traditional winter season and helping to support businesses and employment throughout the year.
Mike continued, “We are absolutely delighted with this decision by the Cairngorms National Park Authority planning committee. The mountain toboggan is about much more than introducing a new visitor attraction. It is about investing in the future of Cairngorm Mountain and creating a stronger, more sustainable business that can continue to contribute to the local economy.
“We have made significant progress over the last year, and this development is an important next step in our plans to diversify the business, attract new visitors and create more reasons for people to visit the Cairngorms throughout the year. It will also bring significant benefits to the wider Badenoch and Strathspey community, supporting local businesses and helping to strengthen the area as a year-round visitor destination.
“We would like to thank the Planning Committee for supporting the proposal and everyone who has contributed to the successful outcome. Our team will now begin work on the next steps, which include producing a detailed business case to seek funding followed by a public procurement process for the various aspects of the project.”
