Batavaime Bothy, Glen Lochay
Today’s trip was up to Glen Lochay. Entirely coincidental and not known to me at the time was that one of the places I went and looked in today – the little red door was open – was Batavaime Bothy – where Duncan Ban MacIntyre (1724-1812) the famous Gaelic poet but also a shepherd, wrote “Cumha Coire Cheathaich” or Lament for the Misty Corrie. Hopefully I have managed to attach a song version of the poem. Duncan Ban MacIntyre is interesting for having been illiterate. His poetry was transposed for him by Duncan MacNicol, Minister of Lismore. Duncan fought for the Hanoverians during the Uprising in 1745-1746, against many close friends. His then employers were Campbells so he had little choice. Perhaps a day to remember that Scots fought on both sides at Culloden.
I wondered if that was a bothy?! I was thinking of basing myself there for a weekend to do all the surrounding munros. Is there a stove or is it open fire? How’s the furniture situation? Thanks
Sorry it took so long to respond. Yes a bothy but not really in a fit state for comfortable bothy stay…. There are some nice spots by the river for bivvy/ camp.
Hi Shu. I have just been researching my Scottish roots and wondered if Batavaime Bothy might be the place described as Botwarmey I’m the Killin parish records for a birth of a possible ancestor Patrick McNaughtan in February 1745… ? Any insight you might be able to give would be most helpful !
Many thanks. Mike
Hi I apologise profusely Michael. I have literally only just seen your comment. Batavaime is not the same place as Botwarmey but they are within walking distance of one another. I am not sure if you are in UK or abroad, but the best clues to be found are in the local maps, not just the current Ordnance Survey map of the area but those available on National Library Scotland website. just Google NLS maps. You will see that the properties of High and Low Botaurnie (trust me there will have been many spellings over the centuries) is actually about 7k to the east of Batavaime. Look for the name Innischoarach on the map and you are close by.
If you are abroad or elsewhere in the UK, shout me again and I will go and photograph Botaurnie for you next time I am up Glen Lochay.