Simon Birch, chairman of the Mountain Bothies Association

The charity that looks after almost 100 mountain shelters has a new chairman.

Simon Birch was elected to head the Mountain Bothies Association after the previous holder of the post John Arnott stepped down.

Mr Birch, of Bristol, has hands-on experience with the association, as maintenance organiser for Camban bothy in Glen Affric.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to taking up the post.

“John Arnott took over the chairmanship at a time of some uncertainty for the association but under his steady leadership, the MBA has grown and prospered. I want to thank him for all his work and know that he will be a hard act to follow.”

Members of the association, which was established in 1965 and has a membership of about 3,400, also elected trustees and management committee members.

Roger Muhl and Neil Stewart have been returned as trustees and they have been joined by Trevor Cotton. There are four new faces on the management committee, with plenty of experience of maintaining bothies.

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