The Glenpean bothy is the second to be taken into ownwership by the charity. Photo: MBA

The Mountain Bothies Association has taken ownership of a shelter that was one of its earliest renovation projects.

The charity has maintained the Glenpean bothy since 1968.

The former estate cottage in the western Highlands was formerly owned by the Bothy Trust.

An MBA spokesperson said the trust wanted to relinquish ownership of the building and asked if the charity would be able to take it on.

The spokesperson said: “We are delighted to do this and in so doing ensure the future of this open shelter which sits in the midst of some wild and remote country, in an area which is important for hillwalking and other outdoor activities.”

Glenpean becomes the second bothy to be transferred into MBA ownership following Over Phawhope in the Scottish Borders.

The newly acquired shelter lies west of Loch Arkaig, in the shadow of Sgùrr Thuilm.

The MBA was established in 1965 and has about 4,000 members. 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.

Its work is undertaken by volunteers and is financed by member subscriptions and by donations. Apart from Over Phawhope and now Glenpean, all of the buildings are maintained with the agreement and encouragement of their owners.