The north’s enterprise company is taking over operations at troubled Cairngorm ski centre – a move which saves up to 70 jobs.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has stepped in after the resort was plunged into crisis following the closure of the funicular railway two months ago over safety fears.
Cairngorm Mountain Ltd (CML), a subsidiary of UK travel firm Natural Retreats, was placed into administration last month, blaming cashflow problems over the funicular shut down.
The findings of an investigation into the structural problems are expected next week.
HIE announced yesterday it is to take control of operations at Cairngorm Mountain with immediate effect.
HIE owns Cairngorm Estate and had leased the resort to CML, which went into administration last month.
The agency established a new subsidiary and has now reached agreement with the joint administrators, Blair Milne and Derek Forsyth, partners with Campbell Dallas, to acquire the business and assets.
Staff and other assets will transfer to the new company, which will trade as Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited.
The new company will honour season tickets purchased for this winter season.
HIE chief executive Charlotte Wright said engagement with local business and community groups will continue to be important going forward.
She added: “We are very pleased to have worked with the administrators to achieve a really positive outcome from a highly challenging situation.
“The deal that we’ve reached will protect jobs and bring stability to the business, which plays an important role in the wider local economy.”
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Blair Milne, joint administrator and business recovery partner with Campbell Dallas, added: “We are pleased to have secured an early sale of the business and assets of CML.
“The deal ensures continuity of operations and employment at Cairngorm Mountain.”
Highland MP Drew Hendry said: “This is a very positive move in restoring the operations of Cairngorm Mountain to where we all want them to be.
“There is a lot of work ahead to ensure that the benefits and potential of this amazing natural and economic resource are fully attained.”
Strathspey Councillor Bill Lobban said: “This is the best possible result in the short term.
“Cairngorm Mountain needs a period of stability which will be provided by the HIE take-over and their commitment to Cairngorm is already evident with the delivery and operation of £1 million of new snowmaking equipment and the comprehensive Uplift Review.
“However in the longer term we have to look at major community involvement in the operation of one of the Highland’s most popular tourist destinations.”
Mike Dearman, director of Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust, said they were “very relieved” by the latest development.
He added: “We believe this was the only viable option in the short term to ensure continuity and stability of the business.
“We are now looking to the future and hope that HIE recognises that community ownership really is the only viable option for the long term, and works with us to make it happen as quickly as possible.”
