Lochranza's Launch Success
Thursday 29th April heralded
the official re-opening of Lochranza Youth Hostel on Arran. With
the sun shining from the early morning hours we knew we were in for
a special day. Guests, including SYHA Board members, Visit Scotland
representatives, islanders, hostellers and hostel industry
professionals from far and wide, began arriving at midday to enjoy
a refreshing drinks reception. A period of networking and taster
sessions took place around the showcase which included
presentations from Arran Abstracts and Photovisions, Arran
Fairtrade, Island Cheese, Arran Distillery, Flying Fever
Paragliding, Taste of Arran, Arran Aromatics and the Arran Brewery
(pictured below).
Speeches commenced in the courtyard outside
the hostel by SYHA’s President Paul Goldfinch who introduced Judy
Roxburgh, Vice President to do the official reopening. In a
touching recollection of days gone by Judy reminded us all of the
wonderful things that can be done and seen on the island. She
highlighted the importance of the island tourism network to the
hostel and indeed the integral part that the hostel will play once
more. A presentation followed made to Steve Freear (Lochranza’s
manager) by Dorothy Fenwick from Visit Scotland of the four star
accreditation that the hostel has achieved. Steve was also happy to
accept the official stamp of Hostelling International approval when
John Dickson HI Treasurer presented an HI plaque and flag. All that
was left to do in official terms was to unveil our own plaque on
the internal wall by the reception area; this was done by Judy
(pictured top).
With the formalities out of the way everyone
was treated to a delicious BBQ buffet, served up while a local
fiddle and accordion duo played a range of Scottish folk songs.
With the sun still shining mini tubs of ice cream – kindly provided
by Taste of Arran – were handed out and tucked into with great
pleasure.
Lochranza Youth Hostel has made an excellent
re-entry into the SYHA network. After its £500k refurbishment this
destination really does epitomise the best of what modern
hostelling can offer in a fantastic setting. We are sure after this
triumphant beginning that 2010 and beyond will prove a great
success for this island hostel.
