One of the best things about heading into the wilds is the chance to escape from the petty rules and regulations that seem to govern so much of our lives. Now that last bastion of freedom is under threat as health and safety regulations encroach on the great outdoors.

Scotland’s network of remote bothies — basic mountain shelters — face being downgraded as health and safety experts close off the upper levels as a fire precaution. The Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) says it has already been forced to shut off or remove the upper floors of several bothies across the Highlands because of fire regulations.

The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 states that emergency exits must be provided in places that provide accommodation.

Neil Stewart, a spokesman for the MBA, said that while safety is a big concern, even improvements have meant some of Scotland’s favourite huts are now being declared out of bounds.

He said: “The MBA is careful to operate within the law. Some bothies don’t meet fire legislation, so when we are renovating one of these buildings we have to make sure that in the unfortunate event of a fire everyone is safe.” While there can be an option to improve stairs, he said, sometimes the only solution is to close off the upper floor.

“In some instances the most appropriate thing is to close off or remove the upstairs and improve the facilities in the downstairs part of the bothy,” Mr Stewart said. “But very few bothies have more than one floor — some of them have upper platforms installed, and all we have to do is take them out and make absolutely certain the building is safe.”

Scotland has a network of more than 100 bothies located in remote spots where other accommodation is not readily available. Usually left unlocked, they can be a lifeline in bad weather, or for weary walkers who need to rest their feet and recharge.

The facilities provided are basic — often it is just an open space — but many have sleeping platforms. Only a few have toilets.

Outdoor enthusiasts said bothies were a vital resource and urged bureaucrats to keep their hands off the buildings.

Cameron McNeish, the acclaimed mountaineer, author and broadcaster, said: “This is a sign of our over-cautious health and safety culture reaching into the wild places of our country where people go to get away from rules.

“If they take away the upper levels there won’t be the same amount of space for people. All this will do is discourage them from using bothies, which are a very useful resource.”

Mr McNeish also suggested that an element of risk was good. “Look at all these nurseries and schools that are banning children from playgrounds. No wonder people are worried about cotton-wool kids,” he said.

The MBA said it would continue to do its best to ensure safety and enjoying the great outdoors could co-exist.

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