In reply to nigel thomson
The estate and MBA have always known that there was asbestos in the structure of the building and the survey was not undertaken because people were sleeping in the bothy.
The building is actually in a much poorer structural condition than it looks and requires early and significant work.
The asbestos survey was carried out in advance of this work to ensure that volunteers drilling, cutting, sawing, etc., would not be placed at significant risk by creating asbestos dust and breathing in during the renovation works.
The asbestos consultant carrying out the survey was sufficiently concerned to recommend immediate closure & in these circumstances there was nothing else the MBA or estate could do.
I like Culra bothy and am not a heath and safety zealot but I am from an industrial area & I agree 100% with the closure.
We are now working to see whether the bothy can be replaced which will cost a significant amount of money not least as a specialist company will have to be brought in at huge cost to clear the asbestos from the building and off the hill to a licenced tip.
Everyone is entitled to their view but ill-informed criticism and negativity simply does not help the situation. Everyone needs to accept that we are where we are & the existing building will not reopen.
IF you want a replacement Culra bothy then you need to say yes we want a replacement & help this process along rather than undermining by carping from the sidelines !!