After a four-year closure for major repairs the Cairngorm Mountain Railway is open again. The 2km journey on the 2m gauge funicular railway takes around five minutes and lifts passengers to the newly-refurbished Ptarmigan building at a height of over 1,065m (3,500') - the highest restaurant and railway in the UK. Opened in 2001 the condition of the viaduct carrying the line had deteriorated to a point where major work was required. The line was saved from demolition as it was cheaper to repair it than to remove it.

The opportunity was taken to replace the railway's control system and to improve the facilities in the Ptarmigan building. The Cairngorm Mountain Railway website explains, "The newly designed restaurant has been transformed into a light, contemporary space with an open plan gin bar, cosy log fire and floor to ceiling windows for guests to enjoy the spectacular views of the mountain range."