Hostel scheme boosts tourism

Carbisdale Youth Hostel is a popular wedding venue

A scheme is increasing the profits of Scotland's youth hostels.

RentaHostel.com offers the chance for individuals and groups to hire a hostel out of season for their exclusive use.

The website, launched three years ago by the Scottish Youth Hostels Association (SYHA), has increased annual takings by almost £250,000.

The past year has seen a 37% increase in RentaHostel bookings, with income growing almost tenfold since the scheme's first year of operations.

'Winning concept'

SYHA marketing manager Jason Clark said: "Up until three years ago, many of our hostels simply closed from the end of the summer until the following spring.

"RentaHostel has proved a winning concept, by maximising use of our assets and offering a new product based on our existing hostel network.

"The success of RentaHostel has also benefited many rural economies of Scotland where additional business outwith the traditional tourist season is most welcome."

The scheme won a VisitScotland Thistle Award in 2001.

Typical uses for RentaHostel include club meetings, parties, family gatherings and reunions, with wedding receptions proving especially popular at the SYHA's flagship Carbisdale Castle in Sutherland, and at Auchendrennan House, Loch Lomond.