The Scottish Youth Hostels Association has been working with the power of nature in Glen Affric to upgrade one of the most remote places to stay in the Scottish Highlands.

Kevin Bolton, SYHA’s Northern Property Manager said “Youth hostelling is about having special experiences. Staying overnight in the heart of Glen Affric is one of our most enthralling.” Glen Affric youth hostel provides a bed for over 2,500 visitors each year, all of whom walk more than 8 miles to get there. The hostel is surrounded by wildlife and with the nearest shop 21 miles away so it is truly remote. Kevin added “The hostel is miles from the electricity grid, but we still need to provide amenities and power. Upgrading our renewable energy system was essential if we were to continue to provide a hostel in the glen.”

A grant of £1,100 from the Scottish Government’s Community and Householder Renewables Initiative (SCHRI) approved through Community Energy Scotland is meeting half the costs of upgrading the existing solar and wind system that provides hot water and electricity to the remote site. Steven Watson, local officer with Community Energy Scotland said “The SYHA has a great tradition of encouraging access and enjoyment of rural Scotland. Visitors to the Glen Affric hostel will see for themselves what renewable energy can do and learn about the technology behind the system”.

SHYA has a commitment to green tourism. Most hostels have received awards from the Scottish Green Tourism Scheme and waste water at Glen Affric is processed by a reed bed system to minimise the impact of visitors on the glen. Staying in the hostel costs £15 a night and can be booked on the SHYA website. www.syha.org.uk