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Mission The principal objective of the Association is: 'To help all, but especially young people, to experience and appreciate the Scottish countryside and places of historic and cultural interest in Scotland, and to promote their health, recreation and education, particularly by providing low cost accommodation for them on their travels.' About the Scottish Youth Hostels Association As a not-for-profit body with charitable status, the SYHA works for the benefit of all to promote recreation within Scotland, to increase international appreciation of our country and to improve understanding of hostelling in general. To this end we are committed to offering visitors from home and abroad affordable, quality accommodation in our network of Hostels throughout the country. From cities to remote locations, crofters' cottages to castles, we offer a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes, but all with the same friendly welcome. SYHA is a self-governing voluntary organisation, established in 1931, with over 30,000 current members across all age groups and an active committee structure. As a not-for-profit business, any surplus is invested back into the organisation, enabling us to develop the network and to ensure high standards in existing properties. Our network of over 70 Scottish Hostels includes purpose-built premises, historic buildings and country cottages - in towns and cities, and in remote, rural and island locations. SYHA is a leading member of the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF Hostelling International) which embraces 60 countries, 4,000 Hostels world-wide and the European Union Federation of Youth Hostel Associations (EUFED). We are the largest Hostel accommodation provider in Scotland with 4,500 beds in more than 70 locations. Around 60% of SYHA visitors are from outside Scotland, contributing to tourism income and to the economic health of both city and, crucially, fragile rural communities, particularly in the north and north-west Highlands. The SYHA is a significant local employer throughout Scotland. A professional staff of over 450 employees with very varied experience and backgrounds ensures the efficient operation of our properties. We are a major player in Scottish tourism, with an annual turnover over £6 million. With over 500,000 overnights each season and an estimated total value to the Scottish economy of over £20 million per annum. SYHA is a founder member of the VisitScotland Quality Assurance Grading Scheme for Hostels and is the original green tourism business. Environmental care has been our philosophy since starting out in 1931. SYHA has more environmental awards under the VisitScotland Green Tourism Business Scheme than any other organisation. We provide an extensive programme of outdoor activities for hostellers of all ages, and for those with and without previous experience of their chosen activity. In summary, our Hostels provide a unique base for environmental education and outdoor activities. For generations we have been of service to walkers, climbers and cyclists, children and adults, in some of Scotland's most inaccessible areas - places which would not be viable accommodation sites for commercial operators. Scottish Youth Hostels Association (also known as SYHA) is a registered Scottish charity, No. SC013138 and a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland, No. SC310841 Registered Office
7 Glebe Crescent
Stirling
FK8 2JA SYHA Terms and Conditions Links with other Organisations SYHA co-operates with other voluntary organisations to promote youth leisure activities and appreciation of the countryside. Many projects are carried out in partnership with local authorities, community-based groups, and charitable trusts. We are pleased to work in co-operation with the following bodies:
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