A 'masterplan' has been approved to carry out improvements to visitor facilities at CairnGorm Mountain.

A £4 million loan will be provided from the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to mountain operator Natural Retreats, which will be used to create a host of new facilities.

Subject to full planning, features include installing an artificial ski slope to provide year-round skiing facilities, developing a wrap-around viewing platform at the Ptarmigan building, increasing the restaurant facilities from 100 to 200, and relocating/improving the exhibition area and retail shop.

Charlotte Wright, interim chief executive at HIE, said: "We very much welcome these proposals from Natural Retreats. They will improve the sustainable tourism offering available in and around Aviemore and the Cairngorms. They will expand the season and drive further growth from this key visitor attraction.

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"This in turn will increase visitor numbers, generate year-round income and provide security for employees. Importantly, it will support an industry that attracts young people, both as employees and as customers."

Ewan Kearney, Chief Operating Officer at Natural Retreats, said: "Natural Retreats is investing in CairnGorm Mountain and the surrounding community for the long term and we've worked extremely hard behind the scenes over the last 18 months with architects, experts and consultants, to refine our masterplan, exploring several options including mountain biking and zip wires.

"We are now delighted to receive this approval from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which will allow us to move forward with our plans to enhance CairnGorm Mountain's offering as a year-round visitor attraction."

Natural Retreats is aiming to submit a planning application during this summer, with work set to start as soon as possible.

(LM/JP)