About Scottish Independent Hostels

Why choose Scottish Independent Hostels? Because we are dedicated to hostelling. Some of our members have been running their successful hostels for twenty years or more. Thanks to them and to those who have more recently created their own newer hostels the spirit of independent hostelling in Scotland is very much alive and well. Click here for a full list of all our member hostels.

Each year more and more people, young and old, from all parts of the globe, stay at our hostels and report very happily on how warmly they were welcomed by the hostel owners and how so much was done to make their stay a good one. Almost without fail, visitors comment on the individuality of the hostels, of how there is something in each which is hugely attractive and memorable. To crown the compliments we are told that or hostels offer tremendous value for money. Perhaps this is why a very considerable number of our hostel visitors have come to us on the recommendation of a friend or are themselves making a return visit.

On the rare occasion when a visitor has been disappointed both the hostel owner and SIH have sought genuinely to address the problem to the satisfaction of the visitor.

To ensure, as far as possible, that you have an enjoyable stay in any SIH hostel members have worked together to create and comply with a List of Essential Standards.

Each hostel must be a member of the VisitScotland Quality Assurance Scheme and membership of SIH for each hostel is dependent on this assessment being successful.

Groups welcome at Scottish Independent Hostels

The SIH Customer Charter: Please help us to help you!

SIH strives to ensure your stay at a member hostel meets our organisation standards and also meets your expectations. Each SIH member hostel you stay at has accepted this Customer Charter and has guaranteed to provide:-

A high level of customer care, cleanliness, courtesy and repair to ensure your comfort and enjoyment.
Hostel facilities available at all reasonable times during your stay.
Clean and effective washing facilities and showers.
A clean, hygienic and adequately equipped self catering kitchen.
A communal area for dining and relaxing.
Clean and comfortable beds.
A safe, well managed and maintained hostel environment.
Fair pricing as per the blue Hostel Guide and SIH website with no hidden extras
A friendly and helpful welcome

Each hostel is subject to regular visits and inspections by VisitScotland appointed independent inspectors but we would also appreciate your comments, opinions, feedback and constructive criticism. Please tell us what you think and help us to help you!

If you feel our hostel member has not met the above guarantee (or if you would simply like to make a suggestion), please speak to the relevant hostel owner/manager in the first instance. If, after speaking with them, you feel the matter is still unresolved please write directly to:-

SIH, PO Box 7024, Fort William, PH33 6YX

OR E-mail:

click here for a complete listing of all our hostels.

click here to download the SIH logo