The association hopes to bring the Gleann Dubh-lighe bothy back into use. Photo: MBA

A charity that looks after remote mountain shelters is planning to open two new buildings this year.

The Mountain Bothies Association said it hopes to create new shelters in the Kielder Forest in Northumberland and in the Elan Valley in Wales.

It said it welcomes new volunteers for its programme of works to restore and maintain the 100 or so rudimentary shelters that are available for outdoors enthusiasts to use free of charge.

As well as the two new bothies, the MBA said it hopes to rebuild Glen Dubh-lighe bothy near Glenfinnan which was destroyed by fire in 2010.

Other projects in a busy year will include major work parties at a number of Scottish bothies including Shenavall, Kinbreak, Invermallie, Uags, Strathchailleach, Uisinis, and Over Phawhope.

It will also look at putting back into use Faindouran in the Cairngorms where a chimney stack and wall were blown down in a winter storm and where continuing bad weather has made it impossible so far to assess the full extent of the damage.

There will also be ongoing maintenance at many other bothies that are cared for by the association.

An MBA spokesperson said: “The association doesn’t just need expert builders, joiners and painters at work parties. There are jobs available that anyone can tackle.

“Anyone interested in joining the association or simply just helping out at a work party is invited to contact the association through its website for further information.”

The MBA is a charity established in 1965. It 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.

All of the restoration and maintenance work is undertaken by volunteers and is financed by member subscriptions and by donations.

More information is on the Mountain Bothies Association website.