The Glen Brittle Mountaineering Memorial Hut can welcome weary walkers and climbers once again following a short period of closure for refurbishment.

Situated at the foot of the spectacular Black Cuillin Ridge in Skye, the hut has provided warmth and shelter to climbers since it was built in 1965, although few realise it also serves to commemorate British mountaineers who lost their lives in World War II. 

Built on land donated by the MacLeod Estate using the skills of a local builder and volunteers, the hut was funded by donations from climbing clubs across Britain and the families of climbers who lost their lives in the war.

It can sleep 18 and offers basic cooking, washing and drying facilities.  John Foster, a keen rock climber and former RAF mountain rescue climber, is the chairman of the Memorial's management committee and runs the Hut on a day to day basis.  He welcomes news that the renovation work will be completed on Friday (6 September 2002).

He said:  "We get a lot of bookings during the autumn months so I'm pleased the Hut will open in time for these.  Because the management committee looks after the hut it's still in a good state of repair despite its age.  We just needed to do some work on the internal walls and ceilings to improve the quality and make sure it complied with current fire safety regulations."

Local contractors Angus Macdonald Builders carried out the £17,900 upgrading project and Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise (SALE) gave a Community Investment grant totalling £5,370 towards the project.

Jennifer Robertson, SALE Development Manager, said:  "This memorial is of national importance and we are pleased to be able to contribute towards preserving it for the enjoyment of climbers.  The project sits well within SALE's objective of Strengthening Communities as it improves a community-owned facility."