Gleann Dubh-lighe Bothy to be Rebuilt

© Mountain Bothies Association

The Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) tell us this morning that Gleann Dubh-lighe bothy near Glenfinnan, which burnt down in 2011, is to be rebuilt.

Gleann Dubh-lighe bothy, pre-fire  © Mountain Bothies Association
Gleann Dubh-lighe bothy, pre-fire
© Mountain Bothies Association

'Glen Dubh-lighe was a favourite bothy for hillwalkers tackling Streap , a fine Corbett standing to the north of Glenfinnan' says the MBA's Neil Stewart.

The fire in August 2011 (reported here on UKH) 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, say the MBA. 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.

The work will take place in April this year. MBA volunteers will re-roof 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 Association estimates that the cost of this remedial work will be around £12,000. The work will be 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 - Gleann Dubh-lighe being a case in point. The Association currently looks after almost 100 bothies, and all their restoration and maintenance work is undertaken by volunteers and paid for by members' subscriptions and donations from benefactors.


This post has been read 2,166 times

Return to Latest News

Loading Notifications...
Facebook Twitter Copy Email