Since it opened last year, over 300,000 visitors to The Ptarmigan, at the top end of the CairnGorm Funicular Railway, have strolled out of the UK’s highest restaurant onto the viewing terrace where they have been spellbound by some of Scotland’s most spectacular mountain views. For the views from CairnGorm Mountain across the Scottish Highlands are quite breathtaking not only in their composition but also in their ever-changing colours and hues.
Only one part of this magical jigsaw was missing – for most of those who stood on the viewing terrace, many enjoying their first-ever mountain experience, were unfamiliar with the various peaks, lochs, glens and villages that were visible from this viewing platform at 3,600 feet above sea level. “What’s that one called?” became a very commonly heard expression among the visitors – and very often in languages other than English too!
Now, thanks to the financial support of Highland Council and Leader + , and the generosity of the local Rotary Club of Spey Valley, three magnificent interpretation panels have been erected at The Ptarmigan making each visit even more enjoyable and informative. Costing almost £7K , the Ptarmigan Terrace Interpretation project also includes framed panoramic photographs on display in the Ptarmigan building, a wall map explaining the extent of the viewing panels and a telescope for use by visitors.
Said Bob Kinnaird, Chief Executive of CairnGorm Mountain Ltd.: “Visitors are always keen to learn how far they can see and pick out the different peaks, and these new interpretative panels will be greatly appreciated and add an extra dimension to the quality of the mountain experience. We are greatly indebted to the financial support of the various groups involved in making it possible before the start of the busy summer season.”
“Visibility obviously varies from day to day but, for example, on a clear day, it is possible to see Ben Hope which is less than 10 miles from the northernmost coast of Scotland and over 90 miles distant from here. Looking almost due North, the conical peak of Morven, in Caithness, is visible 77 miles away while Ben More, over 80 miles to the north west, can also be seen. Closer to hand, Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain and a mere 56 miles away in Lochaber, can be seen to the south west.”
Andy Gray Digital produced the spectacular panoramic photographs now on view at The Ptarmigan and within the current exhibition of mountain art being held in the T-Bar at The Day Lodge. Many of his mountain panoramas, some showing CairnGorm Mountain in different seasons, are now available in an attractive spiral bound pictorial guide on sale – priced £3.95 - in The Ptarmigan’s Shop at The Top and at Visitor Information at Coire Cas.
Ends
Further information from
BILL NOLAN
Tel. 07885 071804
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