Skiing in the Cairngorms

2. The Cairngorms

Page 8

January to May 1995 saw the preparation of amendments to the planning application. SNH accepted changes to the Ptarmigan building but were still concerned about visitor management. In August 1995 a need was established for a separate Visitor Management Plan (VMP). Work on the VMP was completed in January 1996 when it became available for public consultation.

March 1996 saw a planning committee meeting in Aviemore where they agreed to approve the application if SNH withdrew its objection. On 5th March SNH voted to maintain its objection to the application.

However, on 7th May at an SNH Board meeting, it was agreed that the objection should be withdrawn subject to certain amendments of the VMP and the adoption of a legal agreement incorporating it.

The funicular was controversial from the outset, many people were concerned about damage to the fragile Cairngorm environment.