Cairngorm Estate transfer on hold

The estate is home to the CairnGorm funicular railway

The proposed transfer of Cairngorm Estate from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to the Forestry Commission has been put on hold.

The 3,504 acre (1,418 hectare) area owned by HIE includes the summit of Cairn Gorm, the ski slopes and the mountain funicular railway.

Poor ski seasons have impacted on the planned transfer.

HIE said it has been agreed to suspend talks until a new business plan by the railway's owners has been investigated.

CairnGorm Mountain Limited (CML) has been looking at ways of continuing to attract people to the area outside of winter sports.

Keith Bryers, HIE head of property and infrastructure, said: "This is a question of timing.

"Our discussions with Forestry Commission Scotland have been positive and productive and it remains HIE's intention to seek to transfer ownership of Cairngorm Estate at a future date."