RUMOURS THAT the White Lady T-bar on Cairngorm is to be demolished have been strongly denied by CairnGorm Mountain Ltd. However, they have said the T-bar beside the almost iconic White Lady run will not be repaired in time for the coming season.

An incident in February during maintenance work saw the ski wheel at the top of the T-bar break loose and crash to the ground.

Poor ski seasons in recent years have meant less money for the centre and therefore less for maintenance and other works.

Although the White Lady run is almost symbolic of Cairngorm and was one of the first runs developed, the lack of a T-bar should not hamper skiers too badly.

Marketing executive Colin Kirkwood said, “The funicular railway replaced the old White Lady chairlift. In the past, people would take the chair to the top, ski down the White Lady, then take the T-bar back up.

“Now they can take the railway up, ski down most of the White Lady, missing just a bit at the bottom, and then ski over to rejoin the train at mid-station.”

He added, “There is a lot of pressure on other apparatus—but it is not just a case of money. The White Lady was run very few times recently and we have to concentrate on the runs most likely to be open.”

A statement added, “The board of CML recently discussed options for the White Lady in the coming season and can again confirm there is no intention of dismantling or cannibalising the White Lady T-bar in the foreseeable future.

“It is erroneous to suggest there has been any ‘revelation that the White Lady T-bar may not be run again’ and, while it is unlikely to run next season, it will remain an operational option for the future. CML are still trying to establish exact repair costs, although these are likely to be between £10,000 and £20,000.

“This exercise is not only about costs. CML officials have been in contact with engineering firms to clarify what on-going support might be given in addition to basic repair and maintenance costs being met.

“As matters stand, CML has only sufficient technical staff to carry out essential maintenance before the winter and any work on the White Lady would have to take into account additional manpower required to do this remedial work.”