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
Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden
The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.
READ MORE
Love Your Lawn with Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.
READ MORE
Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week
Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.
READ MORE
Easter Kilbride: Have breakfast with the Easter Bunny
Di Maggio's East Kilbride launches inaugural Easter Bunny event, here's everything you need to know to book a morning of egg-cellent fun with your little ones!
READ MORE
BBC Introducing comes to TRNSMT Festival, bringing 20 rising stars
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.
READ MORE
The hoppiest time of the year at the National Trust For Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland is hopping into spring as it hosts 40 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care in April!
READ MORE
Local business creates woodland walk for community
A nature walk has been created through woodland in Motherwell thanks to local company Lisini Pub Ltd and the council.
READ MORE
Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book
Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.
READ MORE
Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops
Garden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.
READ MORE
JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!
READ MORE
Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month
More than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.
READ MORE
Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring
To coincide with World Theatre Day this Thursday (27 March), Vue venues in Scotland are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.
READ MORE
Sunshine on Leith SELL OUT at Lanark Memorial Hall
Lanark Amateur Musical Society performed to a record-breaking 2,000 strong audience over four sell-out performances of Sunshine on Leith at Lanark Memorial Hall, from 20-22 March!
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green
BBC Radio 1 Dance is taking over the much-loved Boogie Bar to bring some of the best dance music to Glasgow Green this summer on 11-13th July!
READ MORE
UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park
UB40 ft. Ali Campbell are set to light up Falkirk as part of Kelpies Live at Helix Park, marking a triumphant return to Scotland for one of music's most iconic acts.
READ MORE
Five star Crossbasket Castle unveils first look images of new hotel & restaurant
The venue has been designed to transport guests back to a magical bygone era, offering an escape from everyday life into a world of indulgence and excitement.
READ MORE
Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week
To mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Scotland to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.
READ MORE
Giant gold girder stuns Scots as competition heats up
With three 18-carat golden girders worth £10,000 still out there, IRN-BRU unveils giant hanging girder to encourage Scots to get on the hunt!
READ MORE
Family fun awaits at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break
From Wallace & Gromit to Sonic the Hedgehog, there’s plenty to enjoy at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break.
READ MORE
M&Ds will launch their new season with a special preview weekend
Scotland's favourite family destination, M & D's Scotland's Theme Park, is to host a special Preview Weekend to launch the new season!
READ MORE
Foodies alert! Loch Lomond Springfest is back
Loch Lomond Springfest, one of Scotland's biggest FREE food festivals, is back on the 5th and 6th April at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has curated a unique experience to help guests unwind
To mark World Sleep Day, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is introducing the Sleep Retreat Essential Spa Break, designed to help guests prioritise rest and relaxation.
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival has all the ingredients for the perfect foodie day out!
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next month and looks set to be the biggest yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before.
READ MORE
Visitors to celebrate 2,000 years of history at summer events
Over 2,000 years of history will be celebrated this summer as Historic Environment Scotland announces its 2025 summer events programme!
READ MORE
Spring celebrations at New Lanark
Spring is a time for new beginnings, and there's no better place to celebrate the season than at New Lanark, one of Scotland’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
READ MORE
Lanarkshire pupils celebrate World Book Day with visit from award winning author Angela Proctor
Pupils at St Elizabeth's Primary School enjoyed a reading session and interactive workshop with the Thumble Tumble writer.
READ MORE
Come and experience the Ideal Home Show Scotland this Spring!
Get ready, Scotland! Ideal Home Show Scotland sponsored by EcoFlow is back at Glasgow's SEC from 23rd - 26th May 2025 and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our followers!
READ MORE
Cineworld brings back IMAX Film Fest
Cineworld, the UK's leading cinema chain, will be holding its eighth annual IMAX Film Fest on Saturday 15th March, with tickets on sale for only £5!
READ MORE
Discover the best of Belfast on a day trip from Scotland
A beautiful city with a rich history, high street favourites, independent boutiques and a giant adventure to explore around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible experiences to be had!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links