Bothy owners are locking their doors after the number of visitors became “unsustainable” with a surge in stag parties and vandalism.
The buildings are typically situated in remote wilderness areas, providing shelter or an overnight stop for walkers on a long-distance trek. Concerns have been raised they are becoming a destination for partygoers looking for a free night in the wild.
Two owners have withdrawn from the Mountain Bothies Association, the charity which maintains about 100 of the buildings across the UK. An Cladach on Islay, Inner Hebrides, and Peanmeanach at Ardnish, Scottish Highlands, will have to be accessed with a key and there will be a fee.
Owners said their popularity soared after the publication of books such as The Bothy Bible, with groups