Bothy book ramblers are urged to chuck on the fire

rEAD our book – then set fire to it. so says the team behind a collection of poetry and art being left in bothies across the country.

they say that once walkers have enjoyed the publication, they can use it as a survival tool – whether they need to fuel a warming blaze, want a draft excluder or have to clean their boots.

the 66-page shelter stone: the Artist and the mountain is from 46 artists and writers, led by Edward summerton, senior lecturer at Dundee University’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.

He said: ‘it’s not only something to read but acts as a reference to understanding our relationship with the mountain landscape. it can also be a survival tool. We encourage those who find it and who need some extra warmth to use it to dry your boots, light a fire or even use it as a draft excluder. it might just be crucial in harsh mountain conditions.’

some 200 copies of the book – made from 70 per cent recycled midge trap waste – have been left in bothies across the UK, including Lochaber and the Cairngorms.

the team collaborated with the mountain Bothy Association, which maintains 103 of Britain’s bothies.

the organisation’s Neil stewart said: ‘i am sure those who come across a copy will be both fascinated and delighted with its contents.’

the book will also be on display as part of an exhibition at the Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre from November 23, to coincide with the Dundee mountain Film Festival.