Cairngorm snowsports centre to close on Christmas Eve

Cairngorm Mountain snowsports centre is to close on Christmas Eve until further notice.

The operators of the site said the decision had been taken ahead of the introduction of the tier four Covid-19 restrictions that will come into place on Boxing Day.

The resort, near Aviemore, will shut at 3pm on Thursday.

Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd (CMSL) said it was consulting with Police Scotland and Highland Council on whether the road to the resort should be closed for public safety reasons.

The company said the route could be challenging in wintry weather.

On Saturday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that from December 26 all of mainland Scotland will move into level four of the Covid-19 restrictions for three weeks amid fears a new variant strain is accelerating the spread of coronavirus.

She said “firm preventive action” was needed.

The move means Highland Council region will jump from level one to level four.

Susan Smith, interim chief executive of CMSL, said: “We are very disappointed to be in this position, but firmly believe it is the right course of action in light of the First Minister’s statement and for the safety of our colleagues and visitors.

“We will retain a small team on site for care and maintenance, while we await further notice from the First Minister regarding a relaxation of the restrictions.

“In the meantime, we would like to thank our customers and stakeholders for their understanding, wish them all a very happy Christmas and look forward to welcoming them back to Cairngorm Mountain, to enjoy winter snowsports, when the restrictions are eased.”