The Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) has announced an ambitious schedule of bothy upgrades and repairs in the next few months. The work, which will be carried out by teams of volunteers, will affect public access to several popular (and some lesser known) huts.

We've already reported the planned upgrades at Shenavall. The Association is planning a number of other large work parties too, mostly in April and May - the pre-midge season. Inevitably, they say, this will mean restrictions at some bothies while the work is being undertaken. Would-be 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' says MBA Press Officer Neil Stewart, 'but it is not, of course, 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, Shenavall
• 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. Later this year they also plan to start the rebuild of Glen Dubh-lighe, which was destroyed by fire in 2011 (see UKH news here). And minor maintenance work will be taking place at many other bothies during the course of the year too.

The MBA is a charity established in 1965. It has around 4000 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, and all restoration and maintenance work is undertaken by volunteers.