Tag: natural retreats

June 30, 2016 Nick Kempe No comments exist

I am delighted that both Keith Bryers from HIE – see previous post – has confirmed that at least some of the destruction undertaken by Natural Retreats required planning permission and that they now expect two retrospective planning applications to be made to the Cairngorm National Park Authority, one for the bullodzed track and the…

June 30, 2016 Nick Kempe 2 comments

Keith Bryers, Head of Property and Infrastructure at Highlands and Island Enterprise, has responded to my post on why the destruction at Cairngorm happened https://parkswatchscotland.co.uk/2016/06/23/destruction-cairngorm-happened/.   I welcome the fact Mr Bryers is prepared to explain HIE’s position which is as follows: “This project was funded by HIE as part of a package of works to…

June 29, 2016 Nick Kempe 2 comments

I was never in favour of the funicular railway, a white elephant that has drained resources about the ski area,  but  great care was taken in its construction as is shown by the photo below. The area where earth works could take place was clearly demarcated and many of the bases for the stanchions were…

June 24, 2016 Nick Kempe No comments exist

It feels a little strange to be writing about the CNPA Board Meeting today http://cairngorms.co.uk/meeting/board-2016-06-24 – a small issue in the scheme of things – when Britain has voted to leave the EU but Scotland has voted the other way.   I believe the political and economic uncertainty this has already caused creates opportunities as well…

June 23, 2016 Nick Kempe 1 comment

The creation of the new rope tow in Coire Cas, which created so much destruction at Cairngorm, required planning permission Removal of Shieling Ski-Tow & replace with a modern rope-tow of similar length and profile   The Shieling tow replacement supporting  images document  is worth looking at as it gives a very clear picture of how this…

June 21, 2016 Nick Kempe No comments exist

I picked up earlier this winter that there has been a lot of discontent from downhill skiers and boarders about how Natural Retreats has been operating the ski area, with the general perception being they have neglected winter sports in favour of summer visitors.    There is also a lot of concern on Speyside about the…