A roaring fire, a wee dram, and a view that all but implores you to thank your maker for being alive. The Bothy, at Nairn Golf Club, could just be the best halfway house in golf.
The iconic white house, which was built in 1904, gives members and visitors to the Highlands Top 100 venue a rustic breather worthy of the club’s championship status.
Check out that incredible flagstone floor, or the old-school club and golfing memorabilia that lines the walls. It’s a must visit for any golfer with a sense of history.
And those who make the journey this year will find it looking even better, with the first phase of renovation work now complete.
The Bothy, and the Icehouse next door, sit between the 9th green and 10th tee and were originally constructed to store salmon.
A sign on the wall explains there were originally eight bothys and fishing stations between Whiteness Head a mile and a half to the west and Shallow Head at the mouth of the Findhorn.
Fisherman would go out twice daily during the week and could catch up to 5,000 salmon during a season.
What is next for the Nairn Bothy halfway house?
The Bothy was converted into a halfway house but time had been taking its toll. The wooden floor was suffering from wet and dry rot and has now been replaced following work overseen by Nairn board member Donald McInnes.
Paint on the inside of the building has been stripped to bring out the original woodwork and stonework, and air vents at floor level and in the window frames is ensuring better air circulation.
New drainage is also carrying roof and ground water away to protect the Bothy from damp.
That’s only the start. Next up will be a new area to buy and eat food, a new toilet, roof repairs and the installation of a generator platform.
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“We have already received wonderful feedback from members and are excited to see and hear the reaction from our guests in the 2025 season on the first phase of the renovation,” said Nairn General Manager Paul Mills.
“This project is important to us not just for preserving the Bothy’s history, but for enhancing the overall experience at Nairn, maintaining that reputation amongst the finest halfway houses in the golfing world.”
“The Bothy has been an integral part of our club for over a century, and these upgrades ensure it will remain a welcoming and functional space for future generations.”
Now have your say
What do you think about the revamped Nairn Bothy halfway house? Is it your idea of a perfect mid-round stop-off? What is your favourite halfway house? Let us know by leaving a comment on X.
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