Permission has been granted by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) to carry out improvements to a bothy used by climbers and hill walkers in the Cairngorms National Park. The Planning Committee (meeting on Friday 25 May in Boat of Garten) approved the application by the Mountain Bothies Association who maintain the Hutchison Memorial Hut at Coire Etchachan on Mar Lodge Estate.

The granite walled shelter will be extended to take in the porch, some insulation will be provided by internal wood panelling, a stove will be installed and a new corrugated roof constructed. The small amount of stone required is being sourced locally and any other materials will be brought in by helicopter so as not to damage vegetation.

Deputy Planning Chairman Peter Argyle said: “We fully support this application by the Mountain Bothies Association which will see this bothy continue to provide a shelter for people climbing and hill walking in the National Park. By making these minor improvements, the building will last much longer and ensure the cultural, mountaineering heritage of the area continues.”

The planning report can be read here.