Scots Railway Shutdown: The Farce of ScotGov’s Troubled Ownership
The UK’s highest railway, owned by a leading Scottish Government economic development agency, has been plagued by ongoing issues leading to its closure for nearly six years since 2018. The Cairngorm railway, a key facility in the Cairngorms, a major Scottish tourism attraction, has been facing safety concerns and structural problems that have delayed its reopening.
Long Delays and Inconvenience
The railway was initially shut down for an indefinite period last year, and hopes were high that it would be operational for the winter season this year. However, the Scottish Government’s Highland and Islands Enterprise agency has confirmed that it will not be back in service for the official launch of Cairngorm Mountain’s 2024/25 winter season as anticipated.
Contractor Balfour Beatty has been working on remedial works on the viaduct supporting the railway, and completion is expected in the next week to 10 days. Despite the progress, the railway’s reopening is now projected for the end of December or early in the new year, causing further delays and inconvenience to visitors and skiers.
Cost Overruns and Legal Battles
The costs associated with reinstating the funicular have escalated significantly from the original estimates, with the latest figure reaching £21.5m, a third higher than the previous estimate. The troubles began after the costs of building the funicular ballooned from £14.8m to £26.75m due to structural issues discovered during construction.
Furthermore, a long-running legal battle between the Scottish Government agency and constructors and designers over structural problems has added to the delays and uncertainties surrounding the railway’s future. The agency settled a court action against the contractors, receiving £11m in damages, while pursuing a £14.5m claim for defects in design and construction.
Public Outcry and Safety Concerns
Activists and concerned citizens have been calling for a public inquiry into the handling of the railway’s issues, citing a pattern of false promises and delays. Safety concerns have also been raised, urging the transport minister to reconsider reopening the funicular until all necessary safety checks are completed.
The long-awaited return of the funicular will mark the end of a challenging period for the Highland and Islands Enterprise agency and its subsidiary Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd, which operates the resort. Despite the setbacks and delays, there is hope that the railway will soon reopen, providing visitors with access to the scenic mountain and ski area once again.
Through years of uncertainty and setbacks, the Cairngorm railway’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in maintaining critical infrastructure and the importance of addressing safety concerns promptly to ensure public welfare and enjoyment.
