‘Black Dots’ is an exploration of mountain bothies and bothy culture throughout the United Kingdom.
Miles from civilisation and mostly accessible only by foot, bothies are secluded mountain shelters scattered across the British Isles and tirelessly maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothies Association. Unlocked and free to use, they provide a refuge from the vast terrain that surrounds them and have become an iconic feature of the British landscape over the past fifty years. Bothies are synonymous with the outdoor experience in the UK and from day trippers to mountaineers, the growing community of bothy-users is hugely diverse.
By photographing a selection of these structures, the landscapes in which they are placed and the individuals that I encounter there, my hope is that the work will generate a wider dialogue celebrating the relationship between man and the wilderness in the 21st century.
NB: For all those interested in experiencing bothies for themselves and utilising this wonderful asset of the British Landscape, please do familiarise yourself with the 'bothy code' which can be found on the MBA website here: http://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/bothy-code.asp following this code and caring for the environment ensures longevity to the bothies and allows future generations to enjoy them!