The new building at Camasunary is now open to visitors. Photo: MBA

A new bothy has opened on the Isle of Skye after volunteers completed work on the building.

The shelter at Camasunary replaced the former one, which has been taken back into use by its owner.

The new shelter has been fitted out by members of the Mountain Bothies Association, after Royal Engineers constructed the building.

The new bothy is on the east side of the bay at Camasunary about 1km from the old MBA-maintained bothy, which owner Alan Johnson allowed to remain available for use while the replacement was being built.

Neil Stewart of the charity said: “We are very grateful to the owner, Alan Johnson, without whose generosity there would now have been no basic accommodation available in the area, and to 59 Commando Squadron Royal Engineers who constructed the building as a community project.

“The bothy was fitted out in memory of Neil (Bell) Mackenzie, who lost his life in 2015 on Joffre Peak in Canada. We also thank all the MBA volunteers who turned out, sometimes in horrendous weather conditions, to prepare the site and fit out the building.”

Planning permission for the new bothy was obtained in 2014.

Landowner Alan Johnson said: “I am pleased to have been able to work with the MBA and 59 Squadron to provide this replacement bothy.

“It is a magnificent stone building, designed and built to withstand the area’s rugged climate.

“The last time I stayed in the existing bothy, there were folk there from Ukraine, Poland, Germany, France, England, Wales and Scotland, all at the same time. The new bothy will serve the same purpose and will, I have no doubt, bring much pleasure to very many people from all over the world.”

The new single-storey shelter has two rooms. The building is of block and timber frame construction faced with local stone. Although it has no fire or stove, it is insulated throughout. It is fitted out with bunks and other fixed furniture and can accommodate 15 people.

Camasunary stands at the foot of the 929m (3,048ft) munro Blàbheinn, close to the shore of Loch Scavaig.

The Mountain Bothies Association, which has about 3,800 members, celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.

With the agreement and support of their owners, 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 use as open shelters for walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Many of the buildings that are cared for by the MBA would otherwise have become derelict. The association currently looks after 101 bothies. All of the restoration and maintenance work is undertaken by volunteers and is financed by member subscriptions and by donations.