Scotland’s wild mountain shelters ‘under threat’

By Cara Sulieman

SCOTLAND’S bothies are under threat from commercial groups who are illicitly using them as overnight accommodation.

The Mountain Bothies Association – who maintain many of Scotland’s wild shelters – have warned that the buildings may even be closed down if the practice doesn’t stop.

Scotland is currently home to around 100 bothies, which provide essential shelter to outdoor enthusiasts for free.

But some companies offering guided hikes in the Scottish Highlands are including them in their itinerary without getting the owners’ permission first.

The large groups that are crowding into the small shelters are causing problems for hikers who try to use the bothies – with some walkers saying that they have even been turned away from the buildings.

The MBA are warning these commercial groups to gain the permission of the landowner first, so that the shelters can continue to be used by all.