Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling
THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.
Article Source: Hostelling Scotland
Last Updated: 7 February 2025 10:26
Image Credit: Beth Chalmers
More than 350,000 people visit one of Scotland’s 29 youth hostels and 24 affiliate hostels each year, helping the not-for-profit charity generate £9 million in turnover and contribute an estimated £25 million to the economy.
While the impact of Covid-19 pandemic and shifting trends in travel temporarily slowed hostelling's popularity amongst under 25s, Hostelling Scotland says interest has since soared amongst 18-24 year olds – narrowly behind only the 25-34 age group – signalling a revitalised hunger for affordable, social travel options.
The surging interest has prompted Hostelling Scotland to seek greater Gen Z representation on its board of trustees to help shape the future of the charity and its hostels, and make it even more appealing to future generations. The organisation wants to appoint three volunteer ‘adventure curators’ to its board of 12 trustees, who will contribute to improving its offering for younger people, and crucially its efforts to communicate and connect with Gen Z travellers.
While the hostelling experience is very different from when the charity was founded in 1931, perceptions have been slow to catch up. Hostelling has undergone an image change in recent years, driven by a programme of modernisation in the face of a more competitive market amid the rise of budget hotels and short-term lets. Hostelling Scotland’s portfolio now offers high-quality facilities across the board, including private en-suite rooms and stylish communal spaces.
Sophie Bell, 28, joined Hostelling Scotland’s board in 2018 after taking part in a Santander initiative designed to upskill young people in governance. Now a fundraising manager at Scottish homelessness charity Cyrenians, she credits her time on the board with boosting her career and wants to see more young people take on similar roles.
She said: “Hostelling is hugely popular among young people across Europe, but in Scotland, it’s often seen as outdated or only for the countryside. The reality is very different – modern hostels have great facilities, private rooms, and are in cities as well as rural areas. The biggest challenge is awareness. More young voices on the board will help shape the way we reach Gen Z, whether through social media, influencers, or other modern approaches.”
Sophie added that board experience offers personal and professional benefits, adding: “It’s given me insight into strategic decision-making, finance, and governance – things that have helped in my career. I’d encourage any young professional to go for it. You don’t need all the answers on day one, and the support available is fantastic.”
The call for new trustees is part of Hostelling Scotland’s wider commitment to board diversity, ensuring young people have a voice in shaping its future. No previous board experience is required, and successful applicants will receive training in charity governance, finance, and strategic leadership.
Margo Paterson, CEO of Hostelling Scotland, said: “We want our board to reflect the communities we serve. Young people bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and energy, and a more representative board will help us evolve. This is a great opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain governance experience, and shape the future of sustainable travel in Scotland.”
Hostelling Scotland is seeking applications from individuals passionate about sustainable travel and community. The role involves attending four to five board meetings per year, with some in person, and participating in a sub-committee.
To express interest and receive a nomination pack, email Margo at companysecretary@hostellingscotland.org.uk. Applications close on March 7 2025.
Sponsored Links
Latest Lanarkshire News
Celebrate Mothers Day at Zizzi
Zizzi is offering a three-course set menu for £29.95 this Mother's Day, with a special treat for every matriarch.
READ MORE
Raw Material and Cumbernauld Theatre announce Aladdie by Forbes Masson for Christmas 2026
Raw Material and Cumbernauld Theatre will work together this Christmas to co-produce Aladdie, written by acclaimed actor and playwright Forbes Masson and directed by Gordon Dougall.
READ MORE
From snow cabins to loch side hot tubs... 5 unique Scottish Mothers Day escapes
Beyond the traditional Sunday lunch, Mother's Day offers the perfect excuse to slow down and spend quality time together.
READ MORE
Crutherland House Hotel & Spa welcomes local residents with exclusive discount
Four-star destination Crutherland House Hotel & Spa is giving back to its East Kilbride community with a new exclusive local discount.
READ MORE
Scottish Dance Theatre presents Scottish Roots
Scotland's flagship dance company Scottish Dance Theatre present the world premiere of Scottish Roots, a new triple bill celebrating the dialogue between tradition and innovation in Scottish culture.
READ MORE
New InspireHER webinar series launches to empower women to take their first step into business
Women are being invited to explore their entrepreneurial potential through a brand-new programme of free, confidence-building webinars and coaching sessions delivered by Business Gateway.
READ MORE
Baz Luhrmann takes centre stage on the big screen at Vue this March
From Romeo + Juliet to Elvis, five films from legendary auteur Baz Luhrmann are arriving at Vue this month!
READ MORE
Dobbies launches Spring Garden Savings Weekend
Dobbies is welcoming the new season with its Spring Garden Savings Weekend, running from 5th - 9th March, inviting local gardeners to kick-start spring with fresh inspiration and great savings!
READ MORE
New Lanark launches new weaving workshops celebrating the timeless craft of hand weaving
New Lanark World Heritage Site is delighted to announce the launch of its brand-new Weaving Workshops, offering visitors the chance to discover the traditional art of hand weaving!
READ MORE
Aldi celebrates 30 years serving the Bellshill community
Popular discount supermarket, Aldi, is celebrating 30 years of trading in Bellshill, marking three decades since the store first opened its doors to local shoppers on 29 February 1996.
READ MORE
The GWCT Scottish Game Fair returns better than ever for 2026
Scotland's much-loved outdoor celebration is officially back, The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scottish Game Fair will return to the stunning grounds of Scone Palace this July!
READ MORE
The beloved stories of Roald Dhal return to the big screen at Vue
A number of iconic film adaptations based on the work of children's author Roald Dahl are returning to the big screen at Vue Cinemas across Scotland.
READ MORE
Free gardening workshops for kids return to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres' monthly children's gardening workshop returns this March, and the topic is peas and other pod plants.
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity launches Yellow Yogis
Beatson Cancer Charity has announced the launch of Yellow Yogis, a brand-new fundraising initiative set to bring thousands of people together for a large-scale yoga event at Glasgow's SEC!
READ MORE
Biggest ever World Gaelic Week blasts off
The fifth edition of World Gaelic Week gets underway today. This year is the biggest celebration yet, with more than 200 events taking place across the week.
READ MORE
Dinner Meets Detective Work: Six by Nico reveals Sherlock Holmes dining experience
Traitors UK Champion Jake Brown fronts Six by Nico's Sherlock Holmes campaign!
READ MORE
The Eras Experience brings Taylor Swift tribute show to Lanark Memorial Hall
Fans of Taylor Swift can look forward to a spectacular live tribute show when The Eras Experience comes to Lanark Memorial Hall on Saturday 14th November!
READ MORE
Sheridan Smith shines in Funny Girl on the big screen as West End revival returns to cinemas to mark 10 year anniversary of the acclaimed production
To mark the production's West End anniversary, Liberator Film is bringing the film of this award-winning production to cinemas across the UK and Ireland for a limited run starting on 30 April.
READ MORE
Local theatre club gets ready to ROCK Lanark Memorial Hall
Local musical theatre club, Lanark Amateur Musical Society, are proud to present WE WILL ROCK You from Thursday 19 - Saturday 21 March at Lanark Memorial Hall.
READ MORE
Alona Hotel to ring in a spring wedding fayre
The four star Alona Hotel in Strathclyde Country Park is to host a blossoming spring Wedding Fayre featuring a host of new exhibitors who will be showcasing the latest wedding trends.
READ MORE
Win lunch with George Clooney, stay at Gleneagles & help raise funds for Social Bite
Donate to win lunch as part of a small, intimate group with Hollywood star George Clooney!
READ MORE
Multi million pound investment to transform Scottish Town and City Centres through Heritage
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has announced an investment of over £7 million to help revitalise the historic town centres of Airdrie, Girvan, Tarbert and Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
New Scotland Match Day Village announced for World Cup 2026
A brand-new 1600-capacity fanzone has been announced for Scotland's World Cup games, bringing a festival-style event to East Kilbride for an unforgettable matchday experience!
READ MORE
Big screen family fun lands at Vue this February half term
With a fantastic roster of brand-new blockbusters and familiar favourites, there's plenty for the whole family to enjoy at Vue this Scottish half term!
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland marks major milestone for its Scottish Sport Fund
Aldi Scotland has marked a major milestone for its Scottish Sport Fund, reaching £500,000 in donations after ten years of supporting grassroots sports clubs across the country.
READ MORE
Love is in the air as the biggest wedding showcase in Scotland returns this weekend!
The ever-popular Scottish Wedding Show returns to Glasgow this Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th February, bringing together thousands of happy couples for a loved-up weekend of wedding planning fun!
READ MORE
Pioneering street dance collective THREE60 take their work on tour across Scotland
This Spring, pioneering street dance collective THREE60 are taking their bold and highly energetic show World’s Evolution on tour across Scotland.
READ MORE
Easter fun at the Alona Hotel
The four-star Alona Hotel in Strathclyde Park is to host an Easter children’s special show, Ms R and Friends, on Sunday 12 April.
READ MORE
Top 10 family days and dining deals to enjoy in Scotland this February half term
From the World of Illusions to dazzling jellyfish lanterns, Scotland is packed with unforgettable adventures for the whole family to enjoy!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links