Bid to make Cairngorm funicular walks permanent

Until 2010 passengers were not allowed to walk out of the railway's top station and on to the Cairn Gorm plateau

Guided walks from the Cairngorm mountain railway's top station on to the Cairn Gorm plateau could be made available on a more regular basis.

After opening in 2001, people were not allowed to use the funicular as a quick means of reaching the mountain.

In 2010, Scottish Natural Heritage and Highland Council gave permission for guided walks to be run as a trial.

Highland Council will be asked on Wednesday to formally approve the continuation of the walks.

SNH held a public consultation on the plan and has said that the walks would have "no effect" on the integrity of the site.

CairnGorm Mountain Limited, which manages the funicular and the Cairngorm ski resort on behalf of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, has sought permission to continue its Walk @ The Top events.

Approval is needed from Highland Council because of conditions it attached to its planning permission for the funicular railway.