The Mountain Bothy Association says that its volunteers are going to have a busy few months. The Association is planning a large number of work parties, mostly in April and May. Inevitably, this will mean that there will have to be restrictions on use at some bothies while the work is being undertaken, and intending users should be prepared to camp during the periods that this essential maintenance is taking place.
As much information as possible is being posted on the Association’s website but the MBA possible to be completely precise about how usage of individual bothies might be affected. It is also possible that there could be minor changes to the work party dates that have been announced, and other projects are likely to be added to the programme in due course.
Major work parties are planned at the following bothies:
6 – 9 April, Strathan
14 – 15 April, Gregs Hut
14 – 22 April, Meanach
24 – 28 April, Strabeg
30 April – 6 June, Taigh Thormoid Dhuibh (Raasay)
1 – 5 May, Shenevall
7 – 13 May, Usinish (South Uist)
18-20 May, Peanmeanach
In addition, the Association will be taking on a new project at Cruib on the Island of Jura, and plans are well advanced for major work to be undertaken at the Hutchison Memorial Hut. It is also planned to start the rebuild of Glen Dubh-lighe, which was destroyed by fire in 2011, later in the year. And minor maintenance work will be taking place at many other bothies during the course of the year.
The MBA was established in 1965, has around 4,000 members, and undertakes the restoration and maintenance of a number of old cottages, huts and similar buildings throughout the wilder parts of Scotland, England and Wales for use as open shelters for walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Many of the buildings that are cared for by the MBA would otherwise have become derelict. The Association currently looks after almost 100 bothies. All of the restoration and maintenance work is undertaken by volunteers.