Culra bothy has been declared unsafe, and is now officially closed. It looks likely to remain so, and will probably have to be demolished and rebuilt.

A survey at the much-used bothy, which occupies a prime position by the Ben Alder massif (NN523762), has picked up on a risk from asbestos. Its loss will be keenly felt.

Here's what the Mountain Bothies Association website has to say:

'Culra bothy was originally built using aspestos sheeting. Although much of this has been replaced over the years a professional survey has just been carried out on the building and we have been advised that the bothy is unsafe for public use.'

'Culra is therefore closed with immediate effect.'

'Discussions are continuing with regards the future of the building but it is most likely it will need to be entirely demolished and a new bothy built in its stead.'

'Notices will be placed on the building as soon as we are able to get them there - the building is currently unlocked and may remain unlocked but should still not be used except in extreme emergency.'