The MBA was founded by Bernard Heath in 1965. He was inspired by a comment by Alan Murdock in the visitors' book at Backhill of Bush. He first organised the restoration that summer of the ruined farmhouse at Tunskeen as an unlocked shelter, and then with Alan called the meeting on 28 December 1965 in Dalmellington at which the MBA was formed, "To maintain simple unlocked shelters in remote mountain country for the use of hillwalkers, climbers and other genuine outdoor enthusiasts who love the wild and lonely places".