Walkers’ bothies across Scotland have been closed.
The Mountain Bothies Association released a statement on Monday saying the network of free-to-use shelter across Scotland’s wild spaces were now shut.
A spokesperson said: “In line with government and medical advice about social distancing, all MBA maintained bothies are closed to visitors until further notice.
“The association has also cancelled all meetings and work parties.”
The decision comes after people were criticised for flocking to popular tourist destinations in Highland Perthshire and beyond, putting pressure on rural services and breaking social distancing rules.
The MBA is a charity, established in 1965, and with around 4,300 members.
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 9 in Wales.
