About the Scottish Youth Hostels Association

As a not-for-profit body with charitable status, the SYHA works for the benefit of all to promote recreation within Scotland, to increase international appreciation of our country and to improve understanding of hostelling in general. We are committed to offering visitors from home and abroad affordable, quality accommodation throughout the country. From cities to remote locations, crofters' cottages to castles, we offer a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes, all with the same friendly welcome.

We are the largest Hostel accommodation provider in Scotland with 4,500 beds in more than 67 locations.

The SYHA is a self-governing voluntary organisation, established in 1931, with over 30,000 current members. As a not-for-profit business, we invest back into the organisation, enabling us to develop the network to ensure high standards in existing properties. 67 Scottish Hostels including purpose-built premises, historic buildings and country cottages - in towns and cities, and in remote, rural and island locations.

SYHA is a leading member of the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF) which embraces 60 countries, 4,000 Hostels world-wide and the European Union Federation of Youth Hostel Associations (EUFED). 60% of SYHA visitors are from outside Scotland, contributing to the economic health of our cities and more importantly ,fragile rural communities (particularly the north and north-west Highlands). The SYHA is a significant local employer throughout Scotland, professionally staffed by more than 450 employees.

We are a major player in Scottish tourism, with an annual turnover exceeding £6 million. With over 500,000 overnights each season and an estimated total value to the Scottish economy in excess of £20 million per annum.

SYHA is a founder member of the Visit Scotland Quality Assurance Grading Scheme for Hostels and is the original green tourism business. Environmental care has been our philosophy since starting out in 1931. SYHA has more environmental awards under the Visit Scotland Green Tourism Business Scheme than any other organisation.

We provide an extensive programme of outdoor activities for hostellers of all ages, and for those with and without previous experience of their chosen activity.

Registered in Scotland as a private limited company No. SC310841 Scottish Charity No. SCO13138 Registered Office: 7 Glebe Crescent, Stirling, FK8 2JA