The UK’s Most Northerly Bothy Restored on the Island of Hoy
A historic stone building on the Orkney island of Hoy has been given a new lease of life. Burnmouth, which is known as the most northerly "bothy" in the United Kingdom, has officially been restored. After years of falling into ruin, this small shelter is now ready to welcome visitors and hikers once again.
The bothy was originally built in the 1800s in a small settlement called Rackwick. At that time, the area was a busy community with about 40 residents. However, as life changed and people moved away for work, the population began to dwindle. By the 1950s, many of the traditional stone buildings in the area had been abandoned.
For decades, Burnmouth sat empty and its condition grew worse. However, a dedicated restoration project has saved the structure from disappearing completely. Workers and volunteers spent a long time repairing the stone walls and the roof to ensure the building could survive the harsh weather of the northern islands.
In the UK, a bothy is a simple shelter, usually located in remote mountainous areas, where walkers can stay for free. They offer basic protection from the wind and rain but do not usually have electricity or running water. The restoration of Burnmouth is a significant event for the local community and for people who enjoy exploring the wild landscapes of Scotland.