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Rescue team to use Cairngorm funicular during winter training

News imageAngus Trinder/Cairngorm Mountain A carriage on the rails of the Cairngorm Funicular. It is snowing and snow gives a hazy blue effect to the scene.Angus Trinder/Cairngorm Mountain
The funicular connects a base station with a restaurant and a ski area 1,097m (3,599ft) up Cairn Gorm

Mountain rescue volunteers are to use the Cairngorm funicular to help them reach winter training areas more quickly.

The railway connects a base station with a restaurant and a ski area 1,097m (3,599ft) up Cairn Gorm - the UK's sixth highest mountain.

Its operator, Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited, said the funicular would provide Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team (CMRT) with a "rapid and reliable route" to higher ground. The alternative way up is walking.

Leader Iain Cornfoot said it would be possible to get the whole team up on to the mountain within minutes, allowing its members to better focus on preparing for their training.

News imageAngus Trinder/Cairngorm Mountain Six CMRT volunteers wearing bright clothing inside a cabin on the Cairngorm funicular.Angus Trinder/Cairngorm Mountain
News imageAngus Trinder/Cairngorm Mountain Five CMRT volunteers - one of the group is partly hidden by the volunteer nearest the camera - stand inside a building at Cairngorm Mountain. The volunteers are wearing yellow and black jackets, black trousers and woollen hats.Angus Trinder/Cairngorm Mountain
Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team volunteers will be able to use the funicular for winter training.
The team's patch includes some of the UK's highest mountains.

Mike Gifford, chief executive of Cairngorm Mountain, said he hoped the partnership would ultimately help save lives.

CMRT's patch includes some of the UK's highest mountains including Ben Macdui, the UK's second highest mountain.

The funicular - the UK's highest railway - returned to service earlier this year following an extensive programme of work.

It was closed for four years from September 2018 due to structural issues with the track.

The railway, near Aviemore, was reopened to the public in January 2023 following £25m of repairs before it was closed again in August that year due to snagging issues.

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