From a single cottage to a nationwide network as Hostelling Scotland marks 95 years
Hostelling Scotland marks 95 years by releasing archive and contemporary images charting its journey from a single converted cottage in 1931 to a nationwide network of hostels.
Article Source: Hostelling Scotland
Last Updated: 17 February 2026 10:05
Hostelling Scotland has released a set of archive and contemporary photographs to mark its 95th anniversary, charting its evolution from a single converted cottage to a nationwide hostel network that has hosted 50 million overnight stays since 1931.
Founded on 13 February 1931 as Scottish Youth Hostels Association, the charity opened its first hostel at Broadmeadows on 2 May 1931 inspired by a simple idea; to make Scotland’s landscapes and culture accessible to everyone. Ninety-five years on, Hostelling Scotland operates 27 youth hostels in locations across Scotland, alongside 24 partner hostels and summer student accommodation in Perth, offering 1,684 beds across its network.
The images, drawn from the charity’s archives and current hostels, show how hostelling in Scotland has evolved over nearly a century, from early walkers and cyclists to modern travellers, families and international groups, while retaining its focus on affordable, welcoming accommodation.
In the last year alone, Hostelling Scotland catered for 313,000 overnight stays, contributing to 50 million overnight stays delivered by the organisation since it was established in 1931.
Over the past year, Hostelling Scotland welcomed 1,426 UK and international groups. Pre-COVID figures show the charity contributes around £25 million annually to the Scottish visitor economy, supporting jobs, local communities and sustainable tourism across rural and urban Scotland.
As a not-for-profit charity, Hostelling Scotland also delivers funded youth programmes designed to give young people and family groups who might not otherwise have the opportunity the chance to experience Scotland, supporting skills development, confidence and access to the outdoors.
The recently launched Happy Hosteller initiative, aimed at providing free stays for disadvantaged young people and family groups, will deliver 28 trips across 2025 and 2026, with further rounds of applications already planned this year.
Margo Paterson, CEO of Hostelling Scotland: “How amazing to see the rich history captured in these images, and to reflect on just how much hostelling in Scotland has evolved over the past 95 years. What began with a single converted cottage in 1931 has now become a nationwide network welcoming hundreds of thousands of guests each year and supporting communities across the country.
“These photographs show not only how our hostels have changed, but at the same time how the purpose behind them has remained constant: offering an affordable, welcoming way for people to explore and enjoy Scotland.
“It is incredible to know that hostelling has been part of so many people’s stories over the last 95 years. We are very grateful to everyone who supports our charity, helping us keep Scotland open and accessible for all.
“As we mark this anniversary, we are proud of the scale and impact of Hostelling Scotland today, and we are focused on continuing to support access, opportunity and travel for future generations over the next 95 years and beyond.”
In 2018, Scottish Youth Hostels Association rebranded as Hostelling Scotland to represent a more modern and accessible face of hostelling aimed at attracting a new and younger audience to the hostelling experience, whilst maintaining our core ethos of accessibility and inclusion for all.
Hostelling Scotland is part of Hostelling International, a global network of 58 member associations and more than 2,300 hostels worldwide, connecting Scotland’s hostels to travellers across the globe.
The image release marks the start of Hostelling Scotland’s 95th anniversary activity, with further celebrations planned throughout the year.
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