Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-20896 on 22 January 2019. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

HIE is the accountable agency responsible for the delivery of enterprise functions. As Accountable Officer for HIE, Charlotte Wright is personally answerable to the Scottish Parliament for the public finances under her control.

As Accountable Officer for Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Charlotte Wright is personally answerable to the Scottish Parliament for the propriety and regularity of the public finances under her control and for the economical, efficient and effective use of the resources available to Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Scottish Government officials and myself did not have sight of the Chief Executive of Highland and Islands Enterprise (HIE) specific comment on the 29 November 2018 prior to release.

The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body fully recognises the important role that Members'staff and SPCB staff play in ensuring that parliamentary business can take place as planned.  Parliamentary business normally follows well defined sitting patterns, however, occasionally it is necessary for Parliament, or its committees, to meet outwith normal sitting times.  To protect SPCB staff welfare we operate a work-life balance policy supported by a wide range of working arrangements and benefits.  In addition the monitoring of staff welfare is an integral part of our management practice. Members are employers in their own right and, as such, they are responsible for the welfare of their own staff.

There are no circumstances in which a Non-Departmental Public Body would not be subject to Ministerial accountability.

Public Authorities are obligated to comply with the policies set out in the National Marine Plan. It is for the public authorities to take the necessary steps to demonstrate compliance with policies in the National Marine Plan.

As stated in Section 15 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, a public authority must take any authorisation or enforcement decision in accordance with the appropriate marine plans, unless relevant considerations indicate otherwise. If a public authority makes an authorisation or enforcement decision other than in accordance with the appropriate marine plans, it must state its reasons.

There have been no meetings involving Scottish Ministers since 2013 relating specifically and solely to the Cairngorm funicular railway. Records show that five meetings involving relevant stakeholders have taken place since 2013 for which Ministers involved were briefed on the funicular railway. These are listed below. Additionally, a joint Ministerial meeting took place between myself and Mr Wheelhouse to discuss matters relating to the Aviemore economy in March 2014. I was also appraised of the Cairngorm uplift review by HIE in September 2018.

I regularly engage with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) on a variety of issues relevant to my portfolio and have a particular interest in promoting the sustainability of the snowsports sector across Scotland, which meets annually to coordinate strategic actions in Autumn (also referenced below). The Scottish Government has invested £6 million in infrastructure for outdoor ski centres since 2014.

I share Mr Finnie’s concern about matters relating to the railway and the wider mountain area and would welcome the opportunity to discuss these matters with him.

Aviemore Business Association and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy

25 June 2018

Meeting to discuss business performance at Cairngorm. Briefing referenced the ongoing uplift review being carried out at Cairngorm mountain, prior to which no uplift review of its kind had been considered since the introduction of the funicular.

Snowsports strategic meeting

3 October 2018

Meeting to discuss yearly events for snowsports. The snow sector is provided with ongoing support relating to snow making equipment and 1-1 business support. Issues discussed included UK cableways legislation 2019 for uplift infrastructure such as ski tows, snow centres provide updates on business activities and broadband access in the R100 scheme rollout was discussed.

HIE notes in advance that funicular customers for the first 6 months of 2018 are 45,823 with ski customers for this trading period at 40,774.

Briefing also noted that the Funicular was closed for the month of June as there was significant maintenance work undertaken which necessitated the closure. The work was undertaken satisfactorily and ahead of schedule.

The funicular closure of September 2018 is referenced. HIE have commissioned COWI engineers to provide further assessment and ascertain the best way forward to ensure operations do not further impact upon business.

Natural Retreats and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity

12 June 2017

Meeting to discuss non uplift infrastructure upgrades at Cairngorm, with increased visitor numbers projected. Cairngorm Mountain Limited report that they have increased the average cost of the funicular ride per passenger.

Snowsports strategic meeting

28 August 2017

The snow sector is provided with ongoing support relating to infrastructure upgrades and planning issues relating to Glencoe and Glenshee. The Learn to Ski Pilot, digital connectivity, VAT on ski-lifts and road access are also a priority.

Cairngorm Mountain Trust and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity 29 September 2017

Meeting to discuss matters pertaining to Cairngorm mountain. HIE notes intention to focus on what can be done to improve winter trade and summer funicular business.

Snowsports strategic meeting

2016

The yearly Snowsports strategic meeting did not take place in 2016.

Snowsports strategic meeting

7 October 2015

The snow sector is provided with ongoing support. Topics for discussion included the Learn to Ski Pilot evaluation, the impact of VAT reduction for snow centres, Nevis hydro scheme, engineering recruitment issues and ongoing £6 million Scottish Government investment in infrastructure for outdoor centres.

Natural Retreats and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity

22 October 2015

Meeting to discuss Natural Retreat’s plans for tourist attractions in Scotland. It was noted the funicular is not running due to ongoing safety checks at the time.

Natural Retreats and Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism

June 24 2014

Meeting to discuss Natural Retreat’s plans for tourist attractions in Scotland including John O’ Groats and Cairngorm mountain Limited, predominantly the latter. It was noted that the funicular would be closed for maintenance work commencing 23 June.

Snowsports strategic meeting

27 October 2014

Meeting to discuss yearly events for snowsports. Topics for discussion included infrastructure upgrades, the Learn to Ski Pilot, devolution of Cableway authorisation, Landownership and Lease arrangements.

It was noted that 2014 was a difficult season weather wise for Cairngorm, with 77’430 skiers and a season of 134 days. The funicular was closed for 41 days.

Snowsports strategic meeting

27 October 2013

Meeting to discuss yearly events for snowsports. Topics for discussion included entry into sport/school participation, digital Connectivity, recruitment of engineering staff, road access/snow clearance, Landlord lease/succession arrangements and Weather broadcasting.

As no specific meetings have been held involving Scottish Ministers, there are no such meetings to provide information on. Reference is made to Parliamentary question S5W-20662 on 15 January 2019, which provides details of meetings and wider matters relating to Cairngorm mountain. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

I would be happy to meet with the member to discuss these matters.

Highlands and Islands (HIE) are the statutory public agency which delivers enterprise functions on behalf of Scottish Ministers and are responsible for day to day operational matters at Cairngorm mountain. They remain the most appropriate body to respond to matters on due diligence prior to Cairngorm Mountain Limited’s (CML) administration.

HIE report that their due diligence was ongoing prior to administration; holding regular meetings with CML from the time the company was appointed in 2014 until dissolution, including formal quarterly review meetings and agreed performance indicators.