Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) are involved in promoting the care and improvement of Scotland's natural heritage whilst encouraging enjoyment of, and sustainable use of, the countryside. Therefore, as the government's advisers on the countryside, we had to consider the funicular development from a number of different viewpoints.

The site proposed for the funicular development was of immense environmental importance. However, within our remit we had to consider the recreational opportunities afforded by this development as well as the economic impacts. It wasn't therefore as simple as merely saying that the site was too environmentally sensitive to develop and that's the end of the argument - there were other considerations.