The Bothy

In 1988, Venture Scotland secured a long term lease on what has become known as ‘the bothy’. The bothy is a former stalker’s cottage in Glen Etive, on the shore of Loch Etive on Scotland’s West Coast. This bothy has become the main residential base for the programme we provide and is the spritual home of the organisation. We thank the Black Mount Estate for their continued support of Venture Scotland in allowing us to use the bothy.

The bothy is 45 minutes walk from the nearest road and has a toilet, cooker, fireplace, sleeping mattresses and running water but no electricity. The bothy experience promotes teamwork and creates a unique atmosphere in which young people feel safe to experiment with positive and respectful behaviour. This special place also offers a brilliant resource for inspiring young people about nature and the environment. Participants have the chance to contribute to a range of ‘hands on’ conservation projects as well as being challenged to consider the impact of their actions on the world around them.

With the support of the Border Bothies Association, we also regularly use bothies in the Scottish Borders as a base for young people's first trip away. The Border bothies offer an ideal venue for young people to have their first intense experience of the outdoor environment. They are also in close proximity to Wiston Lodge, an outdoor centre near Biggar which we use for its high ropes course and climbing wall.