Volunteers undertaking restoration work on a derelict bothy, once hidden within the depths of a forest on Scotland’s west coast, have confirmed that significant progress has been made in terms of transforming the old building.
The Mountain Bothy Association (MBA) has dedicated its time and energy over the last 18 months to return the bothy to its former glory, which has resulted in the construction of new foundations, walls, lintels and gables.
The volunteers gathered together during what they referred to as “six work parties” to conduct the restoration, which consisted of long days in often quite challenging weather conditions.
Located southeast of Oban and north of Lochgilphead on land managed by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), the building – Druimnashallag – was built in 1891 but was last occupied around 70 years ago.
It had been slowly falling into ruin, facing the threat of demolition until its potential as a bothy was identified, where upon it was subsequently licensed to the MBA to restore.
FLS’ area land agent, Raymond Mundie, said:
“It is inspiring to see the hard work from the MBA and volunteers is paying off. Faced with the prospect of demolition because it presented a potential risk to members of the public, the building is getting a new lease of life.
“Hopefully, when the roof goes on, this characterful old building will provide shelter and comfort for people exploring and enjoying the wilderness and wildlife in this area.
“The project and licence process is a great example of how FLS can support and enable groups of interest to utilise surplus assets and resources to achieve their goals on Scotland’s national forest and land in a safe and appropriate way.”
Since the association initially started work on the property, 41 different volunteers have taken part in restoration and rebuild.
A spokesperson for the MBA, Peter Rowell, said:
“While the rest of the UK seemed to suffer from some heavy amounts of rain, we managed to get a spate of good weather and cracked on with the work. However, they have also grafted in sub-zero temperatures and days where it was tee-shirts and shorts only.
“The latest work party aimed to complete the walls and as much of the gable end as possible. With the good weather and the determination of our volunteers, we were able to achieve this. It really is starting to resemble a bothy, minus the roof.
“It has and continues to be hard work but listening to the bellow of rutting stags echoing in the glen, hearing the geese calling out to each other as they fly overhead and spotting pine martin scat on the path are all reminders why this place will be so special when it’s completed.
The bothy is expected to open in late 2026, with plans to have two internal rooms, each with an open fire, sleeping platform, a central porch and a separate byre for firewood, bicycles and other items.
The byre roof will also be designed and constructed to encourage bats and owls to take up residence.
Anyone who is keen to find out more and potentially sign-up to lend a hand should visit the MBA website where more details can be found.
