Funding received during 2019 allowed us to embark on the first phase of work to create the outdoor learning facility – the full refurbishment of the Boat House & Bothy.

This phase included repairs to the main structural frame, roof and external cladding of the Boat House & Bothy building along with the installation of new windows

and doors. This work being carried out by local contracting companies. The transformation in the condition of the buildings can be seen in the photograph opposite.

The internals of the Bothy were insulated, re-floored, clad with timber linings and painted to create a room suitable for groups of around 15-18. Electrical wiring has been put in place ready to be connected when the power supply is brought to site.

It should be noted that all internal work involved with insulation, chip board flooring, wall cladding and painting was carried out by FoBL volunteers at materials only cost. The final floor covering for the Bothy room was kindly donated by a local business, MRD Design Flooring. More detail on “The Bothy” can be found via this link.

The Stable Classroom

In 2020 we finally got planning approval for the development that would bring the dream of an outdoor learning facility to life – the creation of the Stable Classroom. Designed around the old stable and cart room building the plan was to create a classroom/meeting room that would be able to accommodate groups of around 35-40. Next to this room would be a separate area with toilets, including a fully accessible disabled toilet, and storage facilities shared between the Stable Classroom and the Bothy.

We received fantastic support from Wittets Architects, Elgin, with the design and statutory approvals and  work started in late January 2021 but was delayed due to the COVID lockdowns.

Unfortunately, the condition of the old stable building had deteriorated to such an extent that it was condemned as unsafe by a structural engineer.

However, the replacement building, and the extension, were been designed to complement the recently refurbished boat house & bothy building whilst allowing building control and environmental performance standards to be met by incorporating modern building methods and materials.

The overall project cost around £120,000 and we are immensely grateful to

• • The Beatrice Partnership
  • The Berry Burn Community Fund
  • The Gordon & Ena Baxter Foundation
  • The Adam Family Foundation

and all the private individuals that have donated to the cause.

Having completed the facilities they are now available for hire by other groups, outwith time allocated for the schools, for a small fee to cover electricity costs and a contribution to maintenance.

The new buildings are even more stunning than the artist’s impression suggested they would be!

Return to The Project