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.
Contents
History
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".[1]
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 nine areas,[2] namely
- Northern Highlands
- North West Highlands and Islands
- Western Highlands and Islands
- Central Highlands
- South West Highlands and Islands
- Eastern Highlands
- 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. Each area also chooses an Area Rep to attend the (national) Management Committee meetings.
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
- ↑ Press release by Bernard Heath and Alan Murdock, October 1965
- ↑ http://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/cust_images/new%20SO%20section%20D.pdf
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