About us

Unique, independent places to stay

What is Scottish Hostels?

Scottish Hostels is an organisation of independent hostels, bunkhouses, backpackers and activity accommodation providers in Scotland.

What is an independent hostel?

It is privately owned and run, with the owners providing local knowledge and often the kind of personal, individual hospitality for which hostelling is renowned.

The essence of hostelling is to provide safe, clean, comfortable, friendly accommodation at an affordable price. Guests can cook their own meals and share the communal spaces with other guests.

Outdoor enthusiasts will choose hostels which offer drying rooms and bike/equipment storage - not always found in other types of accommodation!

Owned and run by Scottish Hostels members

Scottish Hostels is a member owned organisation run by a volunteer Board of Directors elected from the membership.

Hostel owners pay an annual membership subscription to become a member of Scottish Hostels. The Directors volunteer their time for free so subscriptions are spent solely on the running and advertising costs of the organisation. 

It is a not-for-profit Company which exists to support member hostels, represent their interests to government and industry bodies and to promote independent hostelling in Scotland.