Statement On Public Audit Committee Report

February 24th, 2026.

Public Audit Committee, scrutiny of Cairngorm funicular railway – Statement from Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd

Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd (CMSL) welcomes the publication of the Scottish Parliament Public Audit Committee’s report into the funding and operation of the Cairngorm funicular railway. We were pleased to engage constructively with the Committee throughout its scrutiny process and appreciate the time and detail that has gone into this report.

As the operating company for Cairngorm Mountain, our focus is on delivering a high-quality, safe and sustainable visitor experience at one of Scotland’s most iconic destinations.

Following the return to service of the funicular, the 2025/26 season has been an extremely positive one for the business. The resort has welcomed more than 150,000 visitors, including over 122,000 funicular foot passengers and a further 28,000 skiers and boarders who have taken advantage of excellent winter conditions. This strong performance reflects a renewed confidence in the resort, the dedication of our team, and the appeal of Cairngorm as a year-round destination for families, sightseers, nature lovers, walkers and snowsports enthusiasts.

While recognising the challenges of recent years, we are encouraged by the progress and positive momentum now building. Our priority is to build on this success and ensure CMSL is placed on a sustainable financial and operational footing. We continue to strengthen governance, enhance the visitor experience, and work closely with partners to support the long-term ambitions set out for the mountain.

With the funicular operational 2025/26 marks the beginning of a new and positive chapter for Cairngorm, delivering a high-quality visitor experience that supports the economy and communities of Badenoch and Strathspey and beyond.

The recently appointed board Chair of Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd, Mark Tate said: “The board and the whole team on Cairngorm are committed to ensuring a sustainable future for Cairngorm Mountain. We welcome and will embrace the findings of the report, we will ensure that the benefits for our customers, the environment and the local and national economy outweigh the costs and alleviate the concerns of the audit committee.

Cairngorm Mountain is a special place that brings people and nature together. We remain committed to engaging with all our stakeholders and the wider tourism industry to maintain and build open that relationship for the success of the mountain and the communities it serves.”