I’ve wanted to build a “cabin in the woods” since I was a child. The Scottish version of cabin culture, which is popular in parts of Scandinavia, is known as “Hutting”. What began informally at Carbeth (Stirlingshire) after the First World War as a form of post traumatic therapy for returning soldiers, has now been adopted more widely and brought into the national planning framework.

We obtained planning permission for our hut in 2023 but, due to various delays, only began construction in 2024. The hut is 7m x 4m, largely built from treated timber with a roof of profiled metal. It will be well insulated and have triple glazed door and windows. The roof will provide a home for a small solar system which will charge batteries and in turn connect to an inverter giving us a small amount of “mains” power. There is a private water supply and a composting toilet.

As I write ( November 2024) the structure is complete and weather proof, windows and the door are fitted and insulation has commenced, the woodburning cooking stove is also fitted and operational. Progress has been slower than hoped - isn’t that the way with most projects? - but at least I can now work on the remainder in relative comfort.  Watch this space for updates.