Sron na Larig Lodge (Stronlarig Lodge), Whitebridge, Scotland - April 09

Picked a cracking day to visit this place with Bryag, having been foiled by snow once or twice

A little history, shamelessly cribbed from 'www.lochnesswelcome.co.uk'

Under the directions of the Lady Lovat, it was built during the Boer war as a surprise and a welcome home to her husband

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Now why won't someone do that for me

The building of the Lodge was a massive undertaking. All materials, except for local stone, had to come by boat to Inverfarigaig pier, and was then transported by relays of horse and cart the 15-odd miles to Strone.Leaving early in the morning, they would load up at the pier, reach home for lunch and a two hour break for the horses, then proceed to the Lodge site, to be back home again in the evening. Apart from the distance, the climb from Loch Ness to Strone was nearly 400 metres. The carts were traditional cope carts, which could be fitted with frames to carry wide or lengthy loads. For instance, loads of pine lining boards could extend from beyond the back of the cart to above the horse's head.

Stone-breakers were imported to cut stone from the nearby Creag, above the road. Altogether a scene of ceaseless coordinated activity, quite apart from the everyday shepherding and other estate work

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An old photo ( the corrugated iron extension in the foreground has been pulled down)

History again laid its stamp upon Sron na Larig during World War II, when it became a training area for the American Rangers, no doubt at the instigation of Lord MacShimidh Lovat (son and heir of the Lovat Scout founder) who, in his turn, did much to institute the Marine Commandos, serving with and leading them with great valour and distinction during that War.

Stronlarig was sold in 1946/47, still a prominent grouse moor, and the Lodge remained in use until the late 1960’s, by which time red deer stalking was the more consistent sport, with sporadic grouse years.

The Lodge was finally vacated and abandoned in 1968

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Enough history, on with the pics

Looking up Loch Killin, towards the hills at whose feet the Lodge lies :



The Lodge is just visible here, on the approach :



First views :





It doesn't look in too bad condition at first glance, the roof is fairly good

Meh :



Once you are in, it's fairly stripped sadly. The floorboards have all been salvaged, surprisingly, though there was a lot of pitch-pine used in this lodge, so that may be why No pikey action though ( it is a bit of a trek to get there) so the only damage was caused by the water ingress through the windows.

Fantastic ceiling and skylight :



Inside, the Lodge is not as large as it appears, a central corridor has rooms off to either side, but that's about it - still, allows for the UE favourite, corridor shots

Ground floor :



First floor :



No floors



Most of the rooms had these unusual pressed-tin ceilings (sorry about the dread HDR - had to be done to capture 'em ) :



Some had the pressed-tin cornicing still extant, a great feature :



The veranda - a gorgeous spot to sit and chill with a smoke



Bryag risking life and limb for a good shot of the veranda



Another notice we ignored



We could only find one internal staircase, and it was a trifle fooked



There were some great colours in some of the rooms :





Especially when given the HDR treatment :icon_evil



The only other staircase :



Bolier and t'ing :



A shot some people might recognise from someone's avatar



A patriotic one for Bigloada and other brick fans



The walk back :



All in all a cracking day out, great weather really helped, and it is in a particularly beautiful setting, I love living here

A fitting quote from the 'www.lochnesswelcome.co.uk' website to end on :

Sron na Larig Lodge, stripped of its fittings and now falling in ruins, is a sad monument to a past era, but its history need not be forgotten, nor the many strong and courageous men and women who lingered there a while, and contributed to its rich past.

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Great write-up Zimbob, it was a smashing day for the walk

Here are a few of mine from the day. Probably not too much variation, but it was so stripped inside. Very unusual given it's remote location.

Main hall, once would have been very grand with stairs and galleries, now just completley open from solem to ceiling


Same hall, opposite side from dodgy first floor


This was an all too common sight


Small ante-room off main first floor gallery (accessed via hole in wall from adjacent bedroom)


First floor corridor (note absence of all floorboards- removed rather than rotted)


These three small rooms accessed from a single doorway. Toilets I suspect?


A bit of "pond-skater" footwork required to get accross the rotting joists, but once out on the veranda was well worth it!
Note how my tripod (on the right) is bigger than Zimbobs ;-)


Detail of veranda roof, and skylight


From veranda looking back in


Finally a few externals