Culra Bothy on the Ben Alder estate. Photo: Gerald Davison CC-BY-SA-2.0

A mountain bothy that has been closed to the public for more than 11 years after asbestos was found in it will be demolished.

A replacement for Culra Bothy will be built by the charity that cares for it.

The Mountain Bothies Association said the rebuilding of the shelter will be one of its most expensive projects to date. Private contractors will remove the asbestos from the structure on the Ben Alder estate in the central Highlands, then MBA volunteers will demolish the existing bothy and will also fit out the interior of its replacement.

The Culra Bothy, 10 miles west of Dalwhinnie, was closed in March 2014 when it was deemed unsafe for public use.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “While we will be able to meet the cost from our existing funds, it could adversely impact on our ongoing programme of annual maintenance and plans for new bothies.

“We would therefore welcome contributions from the outdoors community.”

Demolition of the building, situated at grid reference NN 523 762 is due to begin in mid-October, with the new bothy planned to be available for use early in 2026.

The MBA was established in 1965. It 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 free use as open shelters for walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts.