Hostellers make a welcome return after two-year absence

Encouraged by the confidence shown by guests, Hostelling Scotland has announced that its network of 29 Youth Hostels is now fully opened for the first time in more than two years, writes Fiona Scott.

Bookings across the network, in particular those on the NC500 route and Skye, are averaging 50 per cent occupancy in April and this promising trend in bookings across the network is showing early signs of continuing into the summer months.

Destinations including the Islands and Glen Nevis are again proving a popular choice for young travellers, couples and families keen to make full use of the shared public spaces.

Hostelling Scotland CEO, Margo Paterson said: ‘The last couple of years will long be remembered as the most difficult in our history. ‘I’m very proud of all the hard work and dedication shown by our teams and grateful for the kind support and generosity shown by everyone.

‘We’re delighted that guests can once more enjoy the social aspects that sit at the heart of hostelling; cooking up a storm in our self-catering kitchens, enjoying a glass of wine or a local beer with friends, and a good night’s sleep in a private en-suite room, or a bed in a shared dorm.’

A not-for-profit, self-funded charity, Hostelling Scotland prides itself on being the largest participant in the youth hostel market in Scotland.

As a membership organisation with more than 8,000 lifetime members, it has 29 youth hostels and 26 affiliate hostels. In recent years (pre-Covid-19 pandemic) the network has welcomed up to 380,000 guests annually with a turnover of £9million and an estimated annual contribution to the Scottish visitor economy of £25m.