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Gleann Dubh-Lighe bothy rises from the ashes

Gleann Dubh-Lighe rebuilt (photo: Gus Fair)

Gleann Dubh-Lighe rebuilt (photo: Gus Fair)

Gleann Dubh-Lighe bothy, which was destroyed by fire in 2011, has been rebuilt and is once again available to walkers. With considerable assistance from the owners, Fassfern estate, volunteers from the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) have spent the last few weeks bringing the building back to life.

Only the walls were left standing following the blaze. Now, the building has been re-roofed and windows, doors and a timber floor installed. It has been sub-divided into two rooms and a sleeping platform is being built.

The bothy has been rebuilt in memory of Nicholas Randall, a keen hillwalker who was found dead in a tent near Bridge of Orchy having gone missing from his home in 2005.

Gleann Dubh-Lighe bothy, situated near Glenfinnan, was accidently burned down in late 2011. The fire resulted from a faulty seal on a screw-in gas cylinder which allowed gas to escape under high pressure and be ignited by a candle. No one was injured as a result of this accident but the building was largely destroyed. The latest MBA workparty included a volunteer who witnessed the dramatic fire in 2011.

Ruined Gleann Dubh-lighe bothy (Photo: Allan/Geograph)

Ruined Gleann Dubh-Lighe bothy (Photo: Allan/Geograph)

The MBA is a charity and was established in 1965. It has around 3,600 members, and undertakes the restoration and maintenance of a number of old cottages, huts and similar buildings throughout the wilder parts of Scotland, England and Wales for use as open shelters for walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Many of the buildings that are cared for by the MBA would otherwise have become derelict. The Association currently looks after almost 100 bothies. All of the restoration and maintenance work is undertaken by volunteers and is financed by member subscriptions and by donations.

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