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.

As a not-for-profit body with charitable status, the Scottish Youth Hostels Association (SYHA) works for the benefit of all to promote recreation within Scotland and to increase international appreciation of our country.

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 castle, 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 60 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 with 5,000 Hostels world-wide. 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.

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.

For more info on our fantastic range of Hostels and activity holidays or to make a booking visit our main website www.syha.org.uk