Todays marks the 90th birthday of Hostelling Scotland – formerly Scottish Youth Hostels Association – and to celebrate, the self-funded charity is giving away lifetime memberships to any baby born in the month of February 2021.
The special lifetime membership for babies is worth £150 and includes savings every time you stay in a Hostelling Scotland hostel; dual membership of Hostelling International (giving access to more than 4,000 hostels around the world); exclusive members-only promotions; and other benefits such as discounted admission to visitor attractions and savings at retail outlets; a monthly e-newsletter.
You can apply on behalf of your baby or grandchild by March 31, 2021.
History of Hostelling Scotland
Since 1931, the organisation’s mission has been to make more of Scotland more accessible to more people, especially young people, which is as relevant today as it was then.
Hostelling Scotland prides itself on being the largest participant in the youth hostel market in Scotland. As a membership organisation with more than 8000 lifetime members, it has 33 youth hostels and 27 affiliate hostels.
In recent years the network has welcomed up to 380,000 guests annually with a turnover of £9 million and an estimated annual contribution to the Scottish visitor economy of £25 million.
The Covid-19 pandemic has hit the organisation incredibly hard, with an 89% drop in annual operational income, which has resulted in a massive swing from a £1.4 million operational surplus in 2019 to a £2 million operational loss in 2020.
Lifetime membership for February babies
The new, young lifetime members can look forward to a future of travel with friends and family, staying in great value, affordable, flexible and welcoming hostel accommodation in some of the best locations throughout Scotland.
Margo Paterson, CEO of Hostelling Scotland said: “As we reflect on our most challenging year since 1931 and celebrate being 90 years young, we are determined that 2021 will be a year of positivity and hope, celebrating our hostelling family’s past, present and future.
“Hostelling Scotland is delighted to enable a new generation of hosteller to experience travel and adventure across this beautiful country of ours, exploring new places, making memories and friendships to last a lifetime.
“Any child born in February 2021 is eligible for a free lifetime membership, which includes loads of additional member benefits. All you have to do is sign them up on our website before March 31, 2021.’
Membership and guest overnight income supports Hostelling Scotland’s charitable youth programmes and the maintenance of the hostelling network, which helps to give children, young people and families, who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity, a chance to explore Scotland through our youth, volunteer and community programmes.
See Hostelling Scotland.