The highest Christmas Tree in the UK – located in The Ptarmigan Restaurant on CairnGorm Mountain at 1,097 metres above sea level – was put in place today (1st December) ready for the official switch-on of the CairnGorm Christmas lights this Friday (5th) by local children from Aviemore Primary School. And, not surprisingly, the CairnGorm Funicular was heavily involved and demonstrated its versatility by carrying several Christmas trees, including one over 15’ in height, from the Base Station to The Ptarmigan in a matter of minutes.
In keeping with the company’s policy of using local “produce” wherever possible, the Christmas Trees at CairnGorm Mountain came from Glen More courtesy of Forest Enterprise who were once again happy to assist by providing several trees of different sizes for the Base Station and for The Ptarmigan.
Naturally, Santa Claus was on hand to supervise the operation that heralded the start of this year’s Christmas activities and Santa Claus will be making regular weekend visits to The Ptarmigan over the new few weeks as part of the company’s seasonal promotional programme.
Said Fiona Milligan, CairnGorm Mountain’s Marketing Executive: “The air has been crisp and cold over the past few days and, with a small dusting of snow around, there was a definite Christmas atmosphere at CairnGorm Mountain when we took the large Christmas Tree up to the top on the funicular railway. Over the next couple of days, it will be decorated with lots of lights in readiness for the official switch-on on Friday afternoon.”
“Christmas is a very special time and last year was our first time that we could offer a special CairnGorm-style Christmas with all of our visitor attractions operating. It was very successful and highly popular with visitors and we have added some new features to what was on offer last year.”
Santa Claus will arrive at Santa’s Ptarmigan Grotto – via the funicular of course – on Saturday, 6th December and will be in residence on Saturday and Sunday each weekend from then on, with extended appearances on Monday 22nd December through to Christmas Eve (24th). Visiting the UK’s highest Santa Claus will cost £6.50 per child and this includes return travel on the funicular railway to visit Santa’s Grotto at the top as well as receiving a present from Santa.
During these three pre-Christmas weekends, the Shop @ The Top will be featuring special Christmas promotions including chocolate (6th/7th), preserves (13th/14th) and fudge and “Whoopsies” (20th/21st) with glüwein sampling on offer to add to the CairnGorm Christmas cheer! Throughout the build-up to/ /to the Festive Season, in addition to its customary range of quality items, including ski and mountain wear, the shop will also have a tempting selection of Christmas gifts, goodies and novelties for all of the family as well as an excellent range of interesting stocking fillers. Certainly well worth a visit for gifts that are a little bit different and include the work of local artists, and craftsmen and women.
As part of this year’s festivities, The Ptarmigan Restaurant will be offering a special Christmas lunch package each weekday from Monday to Friday, starting on Monday, 8th December. For only £19.50, guests will travel by funicular to the Top Station where they will have time to view the popular interactive Mountain Exhibition before enjoying a festive 3-course lunch in the spectacular panoramic restaurant.
On arrival, guests will be met and escorted to their tables where a three-course menu with coffee will offer a mixture of traditional seasonal fare and Scottish dishes, all created from a range of ingredients from some of the best local suppliers. Wine – though not included in the package price - will be available via a specially selected wine list, as well as a range of malt whiskies and other drinks from fully licensed Ptarmigan bar – the highest in the country.
Said Fiona Milligan: “Mountains are very special places at any time but at Christmas they have an appeal and an atmosphere that is experienced nowhere else. Last year, both children and adults found that visiting CairnGorm and travelling to the top on the funicular railway enhanced the magic of Christmas and interest in repeating that enjoyment is already high. At CairnGorm Mountain, we are offering a quite unique Christmas experience.”
Bookings can be made by calling CairnGorm Mountain’s Customer Services on 01479 861261.
Ends
Note to editor: You are invited to send a photographer to the switch-on at 15.30 hrs on Friday, 5th December and to join Santa Claus on his funicular ride to the Ptarmigan Grotto at 10.00 hrs on Saturday, 6th December.
Further information from:
BILL NOLAN
Tel: 07885 071804
Or FIONA MILLIGAN
Tel: 01479 861326
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