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.

History

The MBA was founded as an organisation in 1965 following the restoration of the ruined farmhouse at Tunskeen to a basic bothy. The volunteers who took part formed the Association to enable them to undertake subsequent similar projects.

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).

Structure

Maintenance Organisers

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.

Area Organisers

The UK is divided into eight areas, namely

• Northern Highlands
• North West Highlands and Islands
• Western Highlands
• Central Highlands
• Southwest Highlands and Islands
• Southern Scotland
• Northern England and Borders
• Wales

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.

Project Organisers

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

Management Committee

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.

Board of Trustees

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

References

• Mountain Bothies Association. Members' Handbook (3rd ed.). 
• Mountain Bothies Association. Annual Report (2009 ed.). 

External links

• Official website
• Mountain Bothies Association, Registered Charity no. SC008685 at the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator