People invited to have say on proposed changes to mountain railway, states SNH and The Highland Council

Tourists, local people, estates, and organisations are being given the chance to have their say on proposed changes to the Cairngorm Funicular Railway in a major consultation exercise.

Scottish Natural Heritage and The Highland Council have received a request from operator Cairngorm Mountain Ltd to amend the existing Visitor Management Plan

(VMP) by ending the current ticket system, and promoting a footpath nearby.

The funicular development lies adjacent to some of the largest European

conservation sites in Britain - monitored and protected by SNH. They comprise

the Cairngorms Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The funicular railway lies within the Cairngorm Mountains National Scenic Area (NSA).

The funicular also lies within the Cairngorms National Park.

SNH has now launched a three-month consultation exercise allowing those interested (anyone) the chance to comment.

Operator CairnGorm Mountain proposes to:

Keith Duncan, SNH's East Highland area officer, stressed that SNH and The Highland Council were working in partnership to help ensure that as many people as possible were aware of the funicular proposals.

"SNH and The Highland Council must be satisfied that the proposals will not have an adverse effect on the European designated sites adjacent to the ski area," he said.

"The purpose of the Visitor Management Plan is to protect the integrity of areas designated under the European Habitats and Birds Directives from the potential impacts of non-skiing visitors as a direct consequence of the funicular development.

"Before deciding on these proposed changes we are keen to take account of all the views expressed by those with an interest in this magnificent part of Scotland with all the natural heritage it has to offer."

Anyone wishing to comment directly on the proposed changes to the Visitor Management Plan can go to the SNH website at: www.snh.gov.org