Following the latest Government guidelines to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), Hostelling Scotland has today, 23 March 2020, announced the temporary closure of all 33 Youth Hostels within its network across the country with immediate effect; and until further notice.
Hostelling Scotland is a self-funding charitable organisation with 33 hostels located throughout Scotland, accommodating more than 340,000 guests every year, with a turnover of £9m and an estimated contribution to the Scottish visitor economy of £25m. Their mission is to make more of Scotland more accessible to more people than anyone else, especially young people. Their aim is to provide great value, affordable, flexible and welcoming accommodation in the best locations the length and breadth of the country.
Statement on the Coronavirus outbreak from Margo Paterson, Chief Executive of Hostelling Scotland
Margo Paterson, Chief Executive of Hostelling Scotland, said: “It is with great sadness that we have had to temporarily close our Youth Hostel network until further notice. However, the health, safety and wellbeing of our people and guests along with protecting the communities in which we all live and work is our utmost priority at this time.
“The current situation is difficult for everyone and if ever there was a time for communicating with mutual understanding, this is it. We will keep in touch with you through our monthly e-newsletters and social media channels. You’ll find us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Further information is always available on our website – https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/ – and you can also email us with any enquiries direct at [email protected].
We really appreciate the hard work being carried out by all healthcare workers and those on the front line, looking after people and keeping us safe. Although our hostels are closing, we shall be talking with the NHS and other public services to see how best our hostels can support essential services.\
“Thank you for your continued support of Hostelling Scotland. It gives heart and hope to hear messages of support and to know that so many people have plans to explore this beautiful country of ours and to stay in our Youth Hostels in the future.
“When we all start travelling again, we will be here for you and ready to provide the warm welcome you’ve come to expect from our organisation. Please stay well and look after one another.
“We look forward to welcoming you again very soon.”
Ends
Media contact:
Paddy Cuthbert | Littlehouse Media | E: [email protected] | M: 07913 951717
Useful links:
Hostelling Scotland – https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk
Hostelling Scotland on Twitter – https://twitter.com/hostellingscot #ourplaceisyours
Hostelling Scotland on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/hostellingscotland
Hostelling Scotland on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/hostellingscotland/
Hostelling Scotland on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/hostellingscotland/
Notes to Editors:
Hostelling Scotland is a self-funding charity operating a network of nearly 60 exceptional youth and affiliate hostels for the benefit of all those wishing to learn and experience what Scotland has to offer. Our unique sites provide affordable, comfortable, safe and quality-assured accommodation with a warm friendly welcome, local knowledge, activities and services for guests travelling around Scotland.
Members enjoy a range of exclusive benefits including dual membership of Hostelling International, providing access to more than 4,000 youth hostels in over 90 countries worldwide. Membership and guest overnight income supports our charitable youth programmes and the maintenance of the hostelling network.
Following a strategic review of the organisation, early in 2018, the much-loved hostelling accommodation provider is now known as Hostelling Scotland. The new identity follows on from extensive marketing research and reflects the organisation’s commitment to understanding the needs of its members, guests and employees as the modern face of Scottish Hostelling. The name also more clearly indicates its representation of Hostelling International within Scotland.
Both the changes in trading name and logo highlight a commitment to ensuring Scotland’s leading hostelling organisation remains relevant in the modern context.
