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

Work on demolishing a Highland bothy will start on Monday, the charity that cares for it said.

A new building is planned at Culra on the Ben Alder estate, with replacement work due to start during spring 2026.

The Mountain Bothies Association said contractors will start taking down Culra Bothy on 27 October, and it expects the existing building to be removed entirely with a week to 10 days, depending on weather.

An MBA spokesperson said a new concrete base will be created once the winter frosts have passed and a completely new building, on the same footprint as the existing bothy, will then be erected. “The opening date for the new Culra will be announced as soon as it’s definitely known,” the spokesperson added.

Culra Bothy, 10 miles south-west of Dalwhinnie, has been closed to the public for more than 11 years, after it was found to contain asbestos.

Earlier this year, announcing its plans, the MBA said the rebuilding project would be one of its most expensive.

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.”

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.