The once-sleepy village of AVIEMORE was first developed as a ski and tourism resort in the mid-1960s and, over the years, it fell victim to profiteering developers with scant regard for the needs of the local community. Although a large-scale facelift has removed some of the architectural eyesores of that era, the settlement remains dominated by a string of soulless shopping centres and fairly tacky shops surrounding an attractive Victorian railway station. That said, Aviemore is well equipped with services and facilities for visitors to the area and is the most convenient base for the Cairngorms, benefits which for most folk far outweigh its lack of aesthetic appeal.

The main attractions of Aviemore are its outdoor pursuits, though train enthusiasts are drawn to the restored Strathspey Steam Railway , which chugs the short distance between Aviemore and Boat of Garten village five times daily through the summer (June-Sept; less regular service at other times; call 01479/810725 for details). Another unusual form of transportation is the Cairngorm funicular railway (every 10-20min; £7.50), which in 2001 replaced the main chair lift as the principal means of transportation to the top of the ski area. A highly controversial, £15 million scheme, it whisks skiers in winter, and tourists in summer, from the Coire Cas car park up to an altitude of 3600 feet. At the top is an exhibition/interpretation area and restaurant from which spectacular views can be had on clear days, though you should note that there is no access beyond the confines of the centre and its open-air viewing terrace unless you're embarking on winter skiing; anyone wanting to walk on the sub-arctic Cairngorm plateau will have to trudge up from the car park at the bottom.