Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families
An organisation that runs youth hostels across Scotland is launching an initiative to provide free stays for disadvantaged young people and families.
Article Source: Hostelling Scotland
Last Updated: 24 March 2025 12:29
Hostelling Scotland, a registered charity with 29 youth hostels and 24 affiliate hostels across the country, has created Happy Hosteller Breaks as part of its longstanding commitment to supporting young people and communities.
The launch coincides with the fifth anniversary of the outbreak of Covid-19, which stymied the charity’s income and consequently restricted its youth action work.
Happy Hosteller marks the revival of its flagship residential programme, and comes after Hostelling Scotland funded more than 200 residential trips over the past decade, helping at least 6,000 people access unforgettable experiences.
The new initiative resumes this activity, supported by membership contributions and donations, and aimed at organisations such as schools, early years centres, registered charities in Scotland working with disadvantaged youngsters and families, and other youth groups.
Specific target groups include people living in areas of deprivation, young people receiving free school meals, young carers, refugee and migrant groups, young people in the care system or care leavers, LGBTQ+ support groups, and young people and families who have never had a residential experience due to cost or other barriers. The age range for youth groups is six to 25 years. Applications are open to youth groups, schools, early years centres and charitable organisations working with young people and families.
Applications open on March 24 and close on May 9 2025 for breaks taking place between September 2025 and June 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by June 6 2025.
Hostelling Scotland aims with Happy Hosteller Breaks to support and empower participants in accessing, and appreciating Scotland’s countryside, environment, natural heritage, and places of historic and cultural interest.
It also wishes to encourage initiatives that align with its values in promoting recreation, education, health, social responsibility, and inclusion.
Funding is being provided across three key categories:
• Nature & Environment – Explore Scotland’s landscapes, wildlife, and ecosystems.
• Culture & Historic Heritage – Discover the Scottish stories and cultural gems.
• Wellness & Play – Engage in physical and fun activities that promote health and self-discovery.
Relevant groups can apply to stay at one of over twenty hostels across Scotland, from the mountainous Cairngorm Lodge to the coastal Lochranza Youth Hostel on Arran. It’s not just about the great outdoors though, with groups also encouraged to apply for stays in Scotland’s vibrant cities, including Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Successful applicants will be given a stay of one to two nights, for groups numbering five to 25 participants plus leaders. While some catering is on offer, groups are also encouraged to consider cooking at least one meal themselves, to help young people develop their skills.
Accommodation will be in shared private rooms for young people with separate rooms for leaders, and bigger groups can be considered for Rentahostel funding, comprising the sole use of a whole hostel with no catering.
Hostelling Scotland since its formation in 1931 has aimed to make more of Scotland more accessible to more people than anyone else. As well as funded breaks for youth groups, the charity provides breaks for unpaid carers in partnership with Shared Care Scotland’s Respitality Project. It fosters an inclusive environment where guests feel welcomed, regardless of their culture, language, or background.
Heather Donald, who benefited from funded breaks previously, said: "Some of my happiest memories are from hostel trips in Scotland as a young person. They gave me a break from home, a chance to bond with friends in nature, and try new activities like hill walking, climbing, and canoeing: things I wouldn’t have experienced in my city.
These trips also helped me develop leadership skills and earn awards like the Dynamic Youth Award. The chance to gain accredited awards on these residential with my youth club were so important to me during my teenage years and really helped me get to where I am on my journey today. I am now proudly employed at the club that gave me all of these opportunities. It’s amazing that more young people will now get the chance to experience this too."
Youth Worker Connor McKee for Royston Youth Action Glasgow has said: “We have had the privilege of accessing the funds in the past for our young people on several occasions. We always chose the Aviemore Youth Hostel in the autumn as its picturesque location is so beautiful and it also allowed us easy access to surrounding activities and adventures that await.”
“We had built up a great relationship with the staff at the time and really loved bringing our young folks along, some of them who had only left the city for the first time and seen the highlands.”
“We are really happy to hear that the fund is coming back and look forward to hopefully returning to Aviemore one day soon to make more fantastic memories and provide more amazing life changing experiences for our young people.”
Youth Engagement Coordinator at Hostelling Scotland, Agathe Le Quere said: “We are very happy to launch the Happy Hosteller initiative, marking a significant milestone with the revival of our charitable support, something that has been a core part of our ethos from the get-go.
“Having previously offered funded breaks to those in need, we’ve seen how beneficial they are to participants, offering a change of scenery from what can be very challenging circumstances in welcoming accommodation in the best locations across Scotland.
“We’ve seen young people thrive in nature and interact with peers during such trips, which we feel are even more crucial in the wake of the pandemic and as the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect those from disadvantaged communities the most.
“Happy Hosteller underpins our core belief that hostelling isn’t just a place to stay – it can bring about real positive impact in communities. We believe in creating meaningful connections, allowing guests to experience the spirit of hostelling and become a part of our vibrant community.”
For more information, see www.hostellingscotland.org.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Lanarkshire News
Topgolf celebrating 25 years of fun with a week of deals and prizes
Topgolf's journey started in Watford at the turn of the millennium and has since grown into a global enterprise with more than 100 venues worldwide.
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORE
South Lanarkshire Council announces dates for their 2025 Christmas Lights switch on events
The countdown to Christmas is underway with lights scheduled to be switched on at events across South Lanarkshire!
READ MORE
Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026
Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes
A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.
READ MORE
Michel Roux unveils new laidback menu at Crossbasket Castle
Crossbasket Castle, one of Scotland's most enchanting five-star destinations, has unveiled a new Market Menu at its Foveran's restaurant.
READ MORE
Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment
SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.
READ MORE
The Christmas tradition of the year is back...
Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
Beat the Street CamGlen winners announced!
The Beat the Street challenge taking place across Cambuslang and Rutherglen has now concluded and the winners have been announced!
READ MORE
Pumpkin drive for pigs at the National Museum of Rural Life to reduce waste this Halloween
Visitors to the National Museum of Rural Life are being encouraged to donate their Halloween pumpkins and turnips on November 1st.
READ MORE
First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025
As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
Theme park set to host Miss Rachel shows
M&D's Scotland's Theme Park, in partnership with Wicked Entertainment, is to host Miss Rachel inspired shows following sell out performances earlier in the year.
READ MORE
Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk
The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk.
READ MORE
Community group celebrates four years of success thanks to green funding
A once little-known and unmanaged woodland in South Lanarkshire is now a vibrant outdoor learning space, thanks to a £117k renewables grant.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links