Based in Wilmslow, Cheshire, a tourism business
called Natural Retreats UK has been confirmed as the firm to take over the
running of the CairnGorm Mountain snowsports centre, near Aviemore. The appointment
was confirmed by owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise. (HIE)
It was in February that they were named as the
preferred bidder for the centre which includes Scotland's only funicular
railway and the UK's highest restaurant. The railway connects a base station
with the Ptarmigan Restaurant 1,097m (3,599ft) up Cairn Gorm mountain.
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| Secure future for the CairnGorm Centre |
The company already operates trips from Land's End
to John O'Groats, and also owns holiday accommodation at a number of locations
in the UK and elsewhere. It will sign a 25-year lease for the running of
CairnGorm Mountain starting in June. They say that they are looking to invest
£6.2m in the resort over the next five years. HIE has also given the company a
£4m loan to develop a new day lodge.
Alex Paterson, HIE's chief executive, said:
"Natural Retreats has the vision, ambition and experience to enable the
resort to fulfil its potential as a world-class visitor destination. Their plans include the further development of
snowsports and diversification of the business into a high quality, year-round
attraction."
He added: "Natural Retreats' ambition to
attract new visitors to CairnGorm will produce spin-off opportunities for other
local businesses in the tourism sector, especially in Strathspey."
Matt Spence, founder of Natural Retreats, said he
hoped to attract the international winter and summer X Games to the Cairngorms.
X Games sports include skateboarding, snowboarding, skiing and BMX.
Mr Spence said: "I am immensely thrilled with
the appointment of Natural Retreats as operator of CairnGorm Mountain. We truly
believe Natural Retreats will elevate CairnGorm Mountain as one of the leading
leisure and adventure resorts in Europe."
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