🏔️ ISLE OF SKYE TOURIST BOARD — MAJOR ACCESSIBILITY ANNOUNCEMENT

Following extensive consultation, we are delighted to unveil plans for the “Cuillin Mountain Access Improvement Scheme”, an ambitious £318 million project designed to make one of Scotland's most spectacular mountain ranges accessible to everyone. Central to the scheme will be Scotland's first outdoor mountain escalator, providing assisted access into the Cuillins for visitors who would like the full mountain experience but aren't particularly interested in the mountain bit. The first phase will run from Glenbrittle to a new viewing platform approximately 2,400ft up. A second escalator will continue towards the ridge. Each escalator will operate at three speeds: “Scenic” — allowing plenty time to enjoy the views. “Standard” — normal mountain access. “Weather” — determined entirely by which direction the wind is blowing. Engineers initially proposed a fourth, faster setting. Mountain Rescue asked them not to. At the top, visitors will find a café, toilets, gift shop and a large information board explaining that this is where things start getting serious. The escalator will operate continuously during daylight hours, carrying visitors from Glenbrittle to the upper viewing area. Journey time is expected to be approximately 22 minutes. Walking the same route currently takes considerably longer. Particularly uphill. Engineers have confirmed that passengers will be permitted to stand still for the entire journey. This prompted concern that some visitors may reach the top without being remotely prepared for being at the top of the Cuillins. A short assessment will therefore take place before boarding: Questions such as:- “What are you wearing on your feet?” A. Walking boots — proceed. B. Trainers — proceed with leaflet. C. Crocs — further questioning. D. Flip-flops — full details for next of kin. The Tourist Board initially proposed signs asking passengers to “PLEASE KEEP LEFT”, however experience with passing-place signage on Skye, this has been abandoned as overly ambitious. Mountain Rescue has also requested an emergency STOP button. Highland Council preferred an emergency CONTINUE TO GIFT SHOP button. Discussions continue Condiderble attention has been given to Skye's weather. The escalator is designed to operate in rain, heavy rain and sideways rain. During exceptionally severe weather it will automatically stop. Engineers were asked what passengers halfway up should do when this happens. There was a meeting. There is another meeting next Thursday. Wind has presented a separate challenge. Initial computer modelling suggested conditions were manageable. Engineers then visited Glenbrittle. The engineers responsible for the computer model have since formally apologised. The steps themselves will be heated during winter to prevent the build up of ice. This will require approximately enough electricity to power the North End of Skye. At a recent community consultation, the project team explained that the escalator would provide a world-class, inclusive and transformational approach to mountain accessibility. A local crofter listened carefully. “So folk are going up the Cuillins without walking?” “That's the idea.” “How are they getting back down?” There was another awkward silence. Phase Two has now since been introduced. Current proposals include a second escalator running down. This has increased the project cost by £94 million. Somebody suggested simply turning the first one around at 4pm. This person has been rapidly promoted and is now leading the project. Highland Council has also requested a feasibility study into extending the system to the Inaccessible Pinnacle. Consultants have identified a minor difficulty with the word “Inaccessible.” £6.4 million has been allocated to investigate. A summit café is also proposed. Planning officers have asked how supplies will reach it. Up the escalator. This is the first question the project team has actually answered immediately. Local residents will receive discounted travel. One resident was asked whether he would use it. “No.” he replied. “Even with the local discount?” “Still no!” This has been recorded as neutral feedback. Work could begin in 2031, subject to planning permission, environmental approval, funding and somebody establishing exactly how you attach an escalator to a mountain range. Completion is expected in 2036. Or 2037 if there's weather. So 2037 would appear most likely. 🏔️ CUILLIN MOUNTAIN ACCESS IMPROVEMENT SCHEME Making the Cuillins accessible to everyone. - Isle of Skye Tourist Board "Going Up!…..(Coming down subject to Phase Two funding)"