1. Overview
Page 6
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In session 6 we meet James, Chief Executive of Cairngorm Mountain Ltd. James is scathing about the environmentalists' argument and points out that if Scotland wants to compete as a world-class skiing destination then this development must go ahead. According to him, skiing is an integral part of the local economy and further investment is needed to replace the existing ski tows. The new mountain railway has already seen great success since it opened and the extension of the railway seems a natural progression. Anyway, why are these environmentalists so worried? - Summer visitors are kept within the visitor centre so only skiers use the slopes - and the more of them the better! In session 7 you will be introduced to Davie, a representative from Friends of the Earth, who is opposed to the development. He doesn't feel the current mountain railway should be extended. He believes the mountains are a national and international treasure and should remain so. He points out that the quality of the environment is essential to tourism - yet in the Cairngorms it involves many activities that have adverse environmental effects. Davie thinks these negative impacts will eventually destroy the very resources on which it depends. |
There
has been a huge increase in demand for skiing facilities, so much
so that a number of artificial slopes were built throughout Scotland
and the UK.
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