Ian Whitaker has been appointed new chief executive of Cairngorm Mountain Ltd (CML).

Ian has been acting as interim chief executive since former chief executive Bob Kinnaird left in November of last year to join outdoor activity centre Glenmore Lodge. Ian has been with CML, which operates the CairnGorm funicular railway, for eight years as its commercial director. He previously served as depute general manager of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre and was a member of the operational launch team of Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh.

The chief executive post is a fixed term contract for a maximum of two years. It is anticipated to cover the period during which time Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) which currently has control of CML, will prepare operations at CairnGorm Mountain for tender with the intention that it will return into private ownership.

Grenville Johnston, chairman of CML said: "Ian has demonstrated excellent management skills and has an invaluable understanding of the environment in which the company operates. He is ideally qualified to prepare an environmentally and financially sustainable future for CairnGorm as a year-round visitor attraction. We are delighted to announced his appointment."

Ian Whittaker said: "CML plays a key role in the economy of Strathspey and beyond. We have a first class facility here, operated by skilled and dedicated staff. I am very pleased to be continuing to work with them and HIE, on planning an exciting future for the funicular railway and its associated infrastructure in preparation for its new ownership."