New lease of life for west coast bothy

Over 50 volunteers from eight different countries have completed a major renovation of Leacraithnaich bothy in Morvern.

The work included the removal and replacement of the existing roof, renovation of the wall heads, lime pointing of both external and internal walls and improvement to the building’s interior.

The build took 32 days with varying numbers of volunteers on site at any one time. As well as the UK, volunteers came from Norway, Holland, Germany, Greece, Spain, the USA and New Zealand. For almost half it was their first MBA work party.

Peter Rowell, MBA Area Organiser for Southwest Highlands and Islands said: ”Our volunteers were willing, enthusiastic and hard-working, keen to step up to new challenges as well as to hone an established skill. Without their effort, this project would not have happened. They can be proud to have helped transform a much loved bothy that was showing its age into a building that will provide a wind and waterproof shelter for outdoor folk in this remote area for many years to come.

“We are also extremely grateful to the owners of the building, Ardtornish Estate, for allowing us to undertake the project, for their financial assistance with the construction materials and for the considerable practical assistance that they provided.”

Leacraithnaich bothy is on the Ardtornish estate near Lochaline in Morvern. It has been maintained by the MBA since 1983. The condition of the roof had deteriorated over the years and a complete renewal was necessary.

The MBA is a charity, established in 1965, and with around 4,000 members. With the consent and support of their owners, it undertakes 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 maintains 104 bothies, 83 in Scotland, 12 in northern England and 9 in Wales. The work of the Association was recognised by the award of the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2015.