A landmark has been reached, in more ways than one, in the construction of the Cairngorm funicular railway - with the commissioning of a giant aerial cable- crane to be used for ferrying materials up and down the mountainside.

The crane, capable of lifting and transporting eight tonne loads, will be used to lift sections of the funicular track into place - minimising ground damage in an environmentally sensitive area. This innovative approach to the challenges of carrying out such a large building project in a fragile mountain area was a key factor in appointing Morrison as the main contractors.

The erection of the cable-crane is the most dramatic evidence yet of the work being carried out by Morrison during the second season of construction activity. Built in two sections, the cable-way runs between three main towers, each up to 32 metres high, the first of which dominates the ski-area car park. Along its two kilometre length the cable is supported by a series of smaller pillars and follows the eventual route of the railway track. With the crane now in place work on the funicular itself is expected to proceed rapidly.

The funicular itself is a key project in revitalising the economy of the Badenoch and Strathspey area. It will underpin some 2,500 jobs in the year-round tourist industry - boosting the area's reputation as a top-class ski-ing destination. It will also provide distinct environmental benefits. Summer passengers will no longer be able to gain easy access to the environmentally sensitive Cairngorm plateau, as do thousands of passengers on the current chairlift.

The project is being supported by Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise (MBSE), part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network. MBSE chief executive Dick Ruane said: "It is very exciting to see such real, visible progress being made on the funicular construction. There can be no doubt about the economic importance of this project, supporting tourism as one of our key industries. I am confident it will prove a major attraction to visitors, in both winter and summer - and will provide spin-off benefits throughout the area."

Main contractors on the funicular project, Morrison , are also happy with the progress being made - with work right up to schedule despite the constraints posed by working in a harsh and demanding environment.

When complete, in time for the winter season in 2001/2, the funicular will be operated by the Cairngorm Chairlift Company. Director Tania Adams said: "We are delighted that construction work on the funicular is well underway. Ten years have passed since the replacement of the original chairlift system was first addressed and we are looking forward to taking on the operational responsibility for this unique facility in the autumn of 2001.

"As building work continues there is an opportunity for people to see one of the most exciting engineering projects in Scotland in recent years. This is the sort of attraction that will capture the imagination of visitors from this country and overseas and we are looking forward to the inauguration of the funicular in December 2001 - 40 years to the month from the official opening of the original White Lady chairlift."