8 October 2009
The Cairngorm funicular railway cost a third more than anticipated, an October 8 Audit Scotland report has revealed.
Review of Cairngorm funicular railway said the budget for the scheme, designed to revive tourism in Scotland’s major skiing area around Aviemore, was £12.5m, but the final cost rose to £19.5m.
Auditor general for Scotland Robert Black said: ‘When the Cairngorm funicular was first considered it was seen as key to the regeneration of the area, and was expected to contribute to increased tourism and job creation.
‘Many of the expected benefits have been realised. However, Highlands and Islands Enterprise did not fully take account of new risks that emerged early on in the project.’
