Volunteers working on the restoration of a dilapidated bothy, once hidden deep in a forest on Scotland's west coast, have announced that significant strides have been made in transforming the old structure.

The Mountain Bothy Association (MBA) has spent the last 18 months dedicated to reviving the bothy, leading to the construction of new foundations, walls, lintels and gables.

The volunteers participated in what they called 'six work parties' to carry out the restoration, enduring long days and often challenging weather conditions.

Druimnashallag, located southeast of Oban and north of Lochgilphead on land managed by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), was built in 1891 but has been unoccupied for roughly 70 years.

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The building had been gradually deteriorating and was at risk of demolition until its potential as a bothy was recognised, after which the MBA obtained a licence to restore it.

Raymond Mundie FLS area land agent 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 MBA began the project, 41 volunteers have contributed to the restoration efforts.

Peter Rowell an MBA spokesperson commented: "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 for two internal rooms, each with an open fire, a sleeping platform, a central porch, and a separate byre for firewood, bicycles and other items.

The byre roof will also be designed to attract bats and owls.

Anyone interested in learning more or getting involved can find further details on the MBA website.