Mountain Bothies Association

The Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) is a Scottish charity which looks after almost one hundred shelters in some of the remoter parts of the UK.

Most of the MBA bothies are in Scotland, with others in the north of England and Wales. They belong to the landowners who allow MBA to maintain them for use by those people who love to roam, and respect the great outdoors.

The MBA was founded by Bernard Heath in 1965, inspired by a comment by Alan Murdock in the visitors' book at Backhill of Bush. He first organised the restoration that summer of the ruined farmhouse at Tunskeen as an unlocked shelter, and then with Alan called the meeting on 28 December 1965 at which the MBA was formed, "To maintain simple unlocked shelters in remote mountain country for the use of hillwalkers, climbers and other genuine outdoor enthusiasts who love the wild and lonely places".

In 1975 the MBA became a registered charity. In 1998, the Association was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee, still remaining a registered charity.

As of 31 March 2009, the MBA was made up of over 4,000 members. Members receive a quarterly newsletter and annual report, but do not have any privileged rights (i.e. the bothies themselves are equally open to all).

Each bothy has a Maintenance Organiser (or, in some cases, a small team of 2 or 3 MOs), who monitor the bothy and arrange routine maintenance.

The UK is divided into nine areas, namely

The Maintenance Organisers of the bothies in each area form the respective Area Committees. Each committee elects an Area Organiser to chair their meetings and to represent the area to the Management Committee. Each area also chooses an Area Rep to attend the (national) Management Committee meetings.

Project Organisers run a particular renovation or major maintenance project. This is a short-term responsibility, unlike that of a Maintenance Organiser.

The Management Committee is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Association. It has an overview of maintenance matters and advises the Board of Trustees on policy. It also appoints a Director of Projects, who supports and oversees the work of the Area Organisers and advises the Association on building practice and on health and safety.

The Board of Trustees is directly elected by the members. It has control over the finances and is responsible for managing the company.

The MBA has over ninety bothies, mostly in Scotland but with a few in England and Wales all of which may be stayed in without any charges at all. The organisation's aim is to keep its properties windproof and waterproof so someone checks them a few times a year. Bothies sometimes have an outside toilet but when this is not the case a toilet spade is provided. Raised platforms or alpine-style bunks have been installed for sleeping – sometimes the floor, particularly an attic floor, is also suitable. Visitors are only expected to stay for a short period – for a night or two – before moving on. Large groups – six or more – and commercial groups are not allowed.

...
Wikipedia