Potential bothy visitors should use their commonsense. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

The Mountain Bothies Association said anyone planning to use one of its buildings should use their own judgement as to whether to go ahead in the light of the Covid-19 epidemic.

The charity, which looks after 105 shelters across Scotland, Wales and England, has suspended its own meetings and its maintenance work parties are under review.

The association’s trustees said: “In the light of the coronavirus situation, anyone considering using one of our shelters should consider carefully the current advice and guidance of the government and its medical experts.

“Then, given their own personal circumstances, they should make a commonsense decision as to whether they choose to do so.”

The MBA added that anyone thinking of going to a work party should firstly contact the organiser. Updated information will be placed on its website as it becomes available, it said.

The charity, established in 1965, has about 4,300 members. With the consent and support of their owners, it undertakes the restoration and maintenance 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.

It currently maintains 105 bothies and two emergency shelters, 86 in Scotland, 12 in northern England and nine in Wales.