Temporary closure of Ruigh Aiteachain

The popular Ruigh Aiteachain bothy in the Cairngorms has been temporarily closed to the public.

A major refurbishment of the bothy (popularly known as the Feshie Bothy), is now underway. This has been planned for some time and will see some big improvements, including the reopening of the attic space and installation of proper stairs.

However the work means the bothy is now unavailable for use while professional contractors carry out the refurbishment on behalf of the owners, Glenfeshie Estate. It is hoped that the work will be completed later in September, but the Mountain Bothies Association, which looks after the bothy, will issue further information when the reopening date is known.

Ruigh Aiteachan bothy is situated in Glen Feshie, GR NN 8472 9281. The work to be undertaken will include the addition of a stone built porch which will house a flight of stairs leading to sleeping accommodation on the upper floor, a new floor downstairs, and the installation of built-in bunks and wood burning stoves.

The MBA is a charity with around 3,800 members and, with the consent and support of their owners, undertakes the restoration and maintenance of a number 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.

Most often any maintenance and refurbishment is carried out by MBA volunteers, but in this case the owner of Glenfeshie Estate has chosen to fund the refurbishment himself and has employed private contractors.