End of Army days for Cairngorms military retreat after nearly 75 years of service

A Cairngorms away-from-it-all military retreat which opened just after World War II has been given the bullet with the shock announcement the Army is closing it.

Rothiemurchus Lodge by Glenmore has served as the perfect place for R&R for serving and ex personnel from the Armed Forces but the link is being severed after nearly 75 years.

James Grant, laird of Rothiemurchus where the complex is based, confirmed the sad loss.

He said: “Following a review, the Army has decided to close Rothiemurchus Lodge.”

The decision to axe the military retreat has come out of the blue even though the lodge has been unoccupied for since the late spring.

The Army had initially described the closure in May as temporary and the estate itself had posted: “Rest assured, the closure is temporary and a re-opening date will be published ASAP.”

Chris Smith, chairman of the charitable committee running affairs at the lodge, said at the time: “The lodge is undertaking a review of the governance arrangements which are required as part of our aspiration for transition to an OSCR registered charity.

“This process has highlighted a few issues which need immediate attention. These issues could be more easily addressed with the lodge empty of guests.”

Capt Smith explained that the opportunity was also being taken to make some physical changes at the lodge, adding: “Also, we are looking to welcome Scouts, Guides and similar organisations, going forwards.”

But instead, the axe has fallen.

Mr Grant, on behalf of the Rothiemurchus Estate Maintenance Trust, said: ““The lodge has for many years offered year-round, affordable, self-catering in the heart of the Cairngorms.

“It provided accommodation for regular and ex-regular members of the Armed Forces in addition to Reserves, MoD civilians and Cadet Forces.

“It was also used by the Scout Association, Girl Guide Association and other recognised youth organisations including schools outside the MoD family.

“We are sad to have been informed that the Army has decided to cease operating Rothiemurchus Lodge for the benefit of regular and ex-regular Armed Forces.

“Lt Col JP Grant, based on his World War II experience, was keen to welcome an army base for rest and recovery with no weapons allowed.

“There is now the opportunity for a charity or business to take it forward.”

He confirmed that the building had been designed and built for organised groups to stay and carry out training in the special location at the foot of the Cairngorms.

Many scores of thousands of members of the Armed Forces past and present and their families have benefited since the lodge was built in 1950.

An Army spokesperson told the Strathy: "It is with regret that we are seeking to end the tenancy agreement with the Rothiemurchus Estate.

"Unfortunately, it is no longer viable to maintain and operate the Lodge.We are grateful to the Rothiemurchus Estate for allowing us to offer this facility to members of the military and other organisations for several decades."

The ‘temporary’ closure in May came so suddenly that whole bookings had to be switched at the 11th hour to another new military R&R base in the strath.

At Forces Manor in Kincraig, ex-solder Tony Brown told the Strathy: “We’re just happy that we were up in running by that time to be of use for all those cadets and veterans who were looking forward to coming to the strath.”

The development of Rothiemurchus Lodge sprang from the vision in 1948 of Colonel John Grant of Rothiemurchus, who was keenly interested in the unrivalled opportunities for challenging, outdoor recreation offered by the Cairngorms.

He proposed the Army should erect a hut on his land so that soldiers could take advantage of such outdoor pursuits which he considered to be character building.

The plan was agreed by Colonel George Rusk, then serving as Welfare Officer, HQ Highlands District, and was approved by both General Barbour as District Commander and General Arbuthnott as Chief of Staff, Scottish Command.

The site was chosen on the north-west face of Castle Hill, two miles from Loch Morlich, and a ‘fairly primitive’ hut to house 40 soldiers was erected and opened on December 15, 1950.

It soon became known as the Grant Hut and was accessible only by foot. Early the next year, it was extended with financial assistance from the Nuffield Trust, with the caveat use of the facility be extended for all three services.

Around the same time, the Royal Engineers built a road up to the Lodge making it more accessible. The new complex was renamed Rothiemurchus Lodge and officially opened on 7 June 1967.

Over the years the accommodation and facilities have been extended extensively.

Latterly there were some 102 beds available over three separate accommodation buildings, with prices from as little as £15 per person per night, and family rooms are available at special rates.

Any individuals or organisations interested in the lodge are advised to contact the estate at: office@rothie.net

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