Jock Spot's & the Cabin

Saturday 8 April 2006

Most Edinburgh JMCS committee members spent Saturday 8 April at Jock Spot’s hut and the Cabin near Newtonmore.

Jock Spot's Hut early on Saturday morning

The club originally took on the property of Jock Spot’s in the late 1970s. After refurbishment and conversion to a climbing hut JMCS took a twenty-one year lease on the property. This lease expired at the end of October 2004 and since then the club has had a six-month short term tenancy.

Sue, Ali & Patrick sorting out Jock Spot's contents

The tenancy expires on 30 April 2006. JMCS has been offered use of the Cabin as an alternative hut by Mountaineering Council of Scotland Executive Committee member (and Munroist) Richard Spencer. The Cabin is located in the township of Balgowan near to the village of Laggan.

Francis removing surplus wood from Jock Spot's

Our aim for the weekend was to clear out the contents of the Cabin and move fixtures and fittings (including two heavy wood burning stoves) from Jock Spot’s to the new property. We were able to achieve this much quicker than we anticipated. This was largely due to the kind assistance of Richard Spencer with his quad bike and trailer!

Stewart & John taking turns to unload the trailer

After we had completed ‘flitting’ at Jock Spot’s and the Cabin the Spencers very kindly provided a hearty venison stew as supper to the removal party. This was accompanied by some very nice wine and a wonderful home-made meringue dessert. JMCS offered to reciprocate once we are able to occupy the cabin and make suitable arrangements.

John & Richard survey the Cabin grounds

Hard work but a good day was had by all. Special thanks to Francis Winter for volunteering to help committee members at the work meet.