walkhighlands

Gleann Dubh Lighe bothy to be rebuilt

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

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

The bothy at Gleann Dubh-lighe, near Glenfinnan, which was burnt down in 2011, is to be rebuilt. Volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association (MBA) will undertake the extensive work in April this year.

The fire, in August 2011, 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, with only the walls left standing.

An MBA work party carried out some work later that year to ensure that the remains did not degrade further, and following discussion and agreement with the owners, Fassfern Estate, plans have now been drawn up to restore the building.

In April, MBA volunteers will reroof the building, install windows and doors, point the stonework, sub-divide the bothy into two rooms plus an entry lobby, install ceilings and floors, install a sleeping platform and undertake numerous other tasks that will enable the building to again be used as an open shelter. The MBA estimates that the cost of this remedial work will be around £12,000 with the work being undertaken entirely by volunteers.

The MBA is a charity, established in 1965 to undertake the restoration and maintenance 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. It currently has around 3,600 members. 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 paid for by members’ subscriptions and generous donations from benefactors.

Enjoyed this article or find Walkhighlands useful?

Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands.




Share on 

Share  

You should always carry a backup means of navigation and not rely on a single phone, app or map. Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is every walker's responsibility to check it and to navigate safely.