Welcome! This is Scottish Independent Hostels

Scottish Independent Hostels (SIH) is an association of over 100 independent quality assured hostels throughout Scotland, from the Borders to the Highlands and Islands, and can offer a wide choice of Scottish hostels for your backpacking holiday accommodation.

Order the Blue Guide from Scottish Independent Hostels by sending a sae to PO Box 7024, Fort William PH33 6YX

Key features found in all our hostels:

No membership required at any hostel
Open to all - not just youth hostels
All the hostels are privately owned
Minimum of rules at each hostel
Fully equipped hostel kitchens
Hot showers for hostellers
Hostels open all day
Quality Assured - All SIH hostels comply with VisitScotland standards

Most of the hostels listed are privately owned and the majority are family run. They are not just youth hostels - they cater for all ages, and provide a good standard of hostel style accommodation at a fair price in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. They have a minimum of rules and no membership is required. The hostels are open, and their facilities are available, all day. Most hostels are open all year round, but in winter it is advisable to check with the hostel first.

Many people ask what the difference is between a bunkhouse and a hostel, and here is Visit Scotland’s description:

Bunkhouse - Rural accommodation which can be booked by groups or individuals. Services and facilities may be limited but will include a self-catering facility. Bunkhouses are not star rated but will meet or exceed minimum standards for cleanliness, maintenance and quality.

Hostel - Star rated accommodation often in shared rooms with bunk beds, family rooms may also be available. Hostels normally welcome individuals, families and groups, many of whom are on a staying on a short-term basis. Hostels often have a quite formalised structure, which may or may not include restricted access, meal service etc.

It should be noted that some properties with hostel-standard accommodation use the term “bunkhouse” to describe themselves. If you’re in any doubt, each individual hostel/bunkhouse will be pleased to clarify this for you.

If you are a hostel owner and would like to become affilliated to SIH, please click here to find out more.

PDF download of the 2007 blude Hostel Guide

To Download a PDF version of the 2009 Blue Guide click here

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Why Choose an SIH Hostel?

Scottish Independent Hostels (SIH), formerly known as Independent Backpackers Hostels Scotland (IBHS), is Scotland's best known independent Hostel Group. SIH is dedicated to providing quality hostels at affordable prices throughout Scotland. The Blue Guide has become known the world over for Scottish Hostels and this website provides the online verson for you to find the ideal hostel for your youth hostelling or backpacker holiday in Scotland.