A new visitor centre and restaurant were opened near the summit by Tourism Minister Mike Watson on Friday.

But the Ramblers' Association has called for the land around the area to be handed over to the incoming national park board.

The pressure group has called on Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which backed the ambitious construction project, to hand over the land to ensure it is properly looked after.

Now is the time for HIE to give up their land holding and arrange for it to be transferred to the incoming Cairngorms National Park Board

Cameron McNeish Ramblers' Association

Cameron McNeish, the group's president, claimed a new national park authority would be in a "better position" to form a consensus among different interest groups.

Ramblers were among campaigners who fought the controversial development of the funicular railway .

The multi-million pound railway, which opened for business last year, has already taken thousands of visitors to the top.

But Mr McNeish has demanded a change of ownership of the area following its period of controversial developments.

He said: "Now is the time for HIE to give up their land holding and arrange for it to be transferred to the incoming Cairngorms National Park Board.

Fragile undergrowth

"The park board will be in a far better position than HIE in building consensus over future development options and avoiding the mistakes of the past."

Community leaders have criticised new rules that mean people travelling to the top of the railway in summer are barred from venturing outside, to protect the fragile undergrowth.

Mr Watson applauded Highlands and Islands Enterprise for having the "vision" to support the development.

However, he also appealed for co-operation between the various interest groups and organisations to ensure its success.

He said: "It is important that Scottish National Heritage has been closely involved in the project, approving and overseeing the environmental aspects at all stages of the project.

"Conservation, communities and commerce should no longer be pitted against each other.

"The funicular project demonstrates that we can successfully balance environmental concerns with projected economic benefits."