Mountain bothies remain closed at level zero

Mountain bothies in Scotland are to remain closed despite the switch to level zero across the country.

Scotland has now moved to the lowest level of Covid restrictions, which means more people can meet indoors.

However, the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) said the continued limitation on numbers meant the mountain shelters could not reopen in Scotland. slot game

The rules are different in England, and bothies are now available for use.

Mountain bothies, which are generally used by hillwalkers and climbers, have been closed for public use since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, although many have remained unlocked.

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The MBA charity maintains 105 bothies and two emergency shelters, with 86 of the sites in Scotland, 12 in northern England and nine in Wales.

There is no charge to use the shelters.

Under Scotland's level zero rules, up to eight adults from four households can meet indoors at home, and up to 10 can meet in a pub or restaurant - with no need to pre-book a two-hour slot.

In England, there are now no limits on how many people can meet indoors.

The MBA said in a statement: "Following the lifting of statutory restrictions and with the agreement of bothy owners, the bothies that we maintain in England will reopen for responsible use from 19 July.