Galloway bothy misuse sparks future debate

The Back Hill o the Bush bothy is seen as historically significant

Vandalism and misuse of two mountain bothies in southern Scotland has led to consultation about their future use.

Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) is looking for the opinions of hill walkers and the public about the two sites in the Galloway Forest Park.

The Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) and FCS have worked together to provide the outdoor facilities.

However, ongoing problems have led the MBA to decide it can no longer maintain the locations.

There have been a regular difficulties at the Back Hill o the Bush and Shiel of Castlemaddy bothies in recent times.

We have now reluctantly decided, after consultation with the FCS and other local interests, to relinquish our interest in these two bothies John Arnott MBA chairman

Rob Soutar, of the FCS, said: "We have been working with the MBA and the police over a number of years to try and address the issues of misuse at both these bothies.

"Unfortunately we are now at a position where we need to think hard about the future use of the two bothies and we need to have input from hill walkers and the public on a practical way forward."

Back Hill o the Bush was where the idea of a national bothy maintenance organisation was first suggested and led to the formation of the MBA.

Due to its historical value and strategic location, the FCS will begin managing the bothy until further notice.

Doubts remain about the viability of the Shiel of Castlemaddy bothy

However, it said doubts remained over the importance of the Shiel of Castlemaddy building and whether it was a viable resource to keep open.

The MBA will continue to maintain two other bothies at White Laggan and Tunskeen, within the forest park.

Chairman John Arnott said: "Our volunteers in the south of Scotland have worked long and hard over a number of years, repairing damage and maintaining the bothies as a safe place for people to visit.

"We have now reluctantly decided, after consultation with the FCS and other local interests, to relinquish our interest in these two bothies."

Public views on the future use of the bothies can be made via the FCS website.