
A major new tourist attraction in the Scottish Highlands has suffered a dramatic setback, closing its doors indefinitely just two days after a highly anticipated opening.
The alpine-style toboggan run at Cairngorm Mountain, near Aviemore, was shut down on Sunday after technical problems surfaced. Operators of the mountain estate, Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd., confirmed the immediate closure to address the issues.
Grand Opening Meets Swift Closure
The attraction launched with much fanfare on Friday, offering visitors a thrilling 500-metre descent on specially designed sleds. However, the excitement was short-lived. By Sunday, the decision was made to suspend operations completely.
A statement from the company cited the need for "further work" on the run, though specific details about the nature of the technical faults were not disclosed. The priority, they emphasised, is the safety and enjoyment of their guests.
Disappointment for Visitors and Local Tourism
The abrupt closure is a significant blow to the local tourism economy, which had pinned hopes on the new ride to boost visitor numbers. It also leaves those who travelled to the mountain specifically for the toboggan experience disappointed.
"We are working to resolve the situation and will provide a further update in due course," a spokesperson for Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd. said. The company has apologised for any inconvenience caused to customers.
This incident marks another chapter of challenges for the Cairngorm Mountain resort, which has faced various operational and financial difficulties in recent years. The success of the toboggan run was seen as a key part of its revitalisation strategy.