Friday 9 November 2018

A Very Different Hostel 1916-1918

At the Hostel Door, November 2018


Established in 1916 by the Y.M.C.A, alongside others close to field hospitals, at Camiers close to Etaples in northern France, the Brown Hostel  offered, free of charge, crucial support to families visiting wounded soldiers.

The Brown Hostel


My wife’s grandmother, Dorothy Ballantyne, then aged 19, her mother, Maud Ballantyne, nee Brown and her aunt, Alice Brown always known as Aunty ‘Ish’ were the mainstay of this hostel named after a member of the family who had donated heavily to see it established.

Dorothy Ballantyne, imagine it, aged just 19 years, drove whatever vehicle was available, usually a Red Cross ambulance or car from the port of Boulogne bringing to the hostel anxious visiting relatives and, in the opposite direction  wounded soldiers discharged and delighted to be on their way home to Blighty.

Families were cared for at Browns


An estimated figure of 135,000 soldiers serving in Scottish regiments were lost in the carnage of the First World War. We know that more than a few of their families were cared for at Browns and other hostels alongside a formidable number from all over Great Britain and the Empire.

The Watchers


From ‘The Watchers’ by Emily Huntley, a family friend who came to help:-

“In the middle of the camp beneath the hill stands a long brown wooden hut with many windows and a friendly little porch.  Its garden boasts a tiny lawn made of sods cut from the hill and fashioned with infinite labour by a soldier-gardener.  Mignonette and pansy and cornflower - and beans and lettuces and cabbages - make it a garden to rejoice the heart of every lad who passes by.

Over the porchway is the well known sign of the Red Triangle.  It is the Y.M.C.A Hostel where the relatives of the dangerously wounded are cared for during their sorrowful sojurn.  Peep in at the doorway which opens directly from the porch.  The carpet is bright and cheery, basket chairs give welcome to tired travellers, on the wooden walls are pictures collected from many sources, books, magazines, papers are there; the little writing table by the window is rarely empty.  There are flowers too – sweet wild flowers from the hills and tributes from the cottage gardens near; and if flowers are scarce there are leaf sprays and bits of evergreen …

Everybody there becomes somebody’s helper.


Breakfast time brings all together – only there are gaps for those whose vigil is not yet over.  The Lady of the Hostel gives thanks for the daily blessing.  Some troubles are softened by the companionship of the table.  In a mysterious way everybody there becomes somebody’s helper, and from either end of the table turns are skilfully given to the conversation that help to lift the burden …

Slowly they come; evening passes to night and the inevitable trail goes on.


Then comes the day of booming guns – a sultry day, as though the very winds of heaven held their breath at the sound.  It is evening time and from the hostel doorway we watch the long slow procession of ambulance waggons bringing in the stricken gleanings of the field.  Slowly they come; evening passes to night and the inevitable trail goes on …

Then the doctor counts the chances of life and death - and across sea and land his message speeds calling kith and kin to the side of the lad whom death looks in the face.

Regret to say your son dangerously wounded in hospital at X … He may be visited.  If unable to bear the expense, a permit will be granted …

It is night when the boat arrived with fifteen hostel guests and midnight when the Y.M.C.A cars bring them safely to the door.  ‘Is he here?’ asks a grey haired mother.  ‘Is my boy alive?’ … ‘Am I too late?’ … ‘Is he blind?’ … ‘Can I see him now?’ … ‘I don’t want any supper … only let me get to him.

So the tide ebbs and flows and the little band of hostel workers feels the mighty rhythm that bears cottage - heart and palace - heart on its bosom.  One secret of the message of the hostel is that the tide has swept into the hostel itself.  It has borne away with its loved brother, a husband, many dear friends.  And ever as it flows again, to the lips of each springs the question, “Is it well with the lad?”


Lest we forget.


Hostel Keeper

Wednesday 25 April 2018

Hostel keepers come in all shapes and sizes


In Fond Memory of Tom Jones, 
By David Dean

Amongst us, Tom Jones who with his wife Allyson created the quirky state of the art Carr Bridge Bunkhouse and who died last month whilst on holiday in Greece, was a true giant.  Tom's bunkhouse and, in particular, the intimate and all-embracing hospitality for which he and Allyson are renowned has, for years, been a model of right minded hostel keeping.

The aroma of fresh brewed coffee and home baked loaves drifting from Allyson's oft visited kitchen, the fun in the garden, their doted upon children and grandchildren, then hens with a mind of their own and invigorating conversation all made for the magic she and Tom exuded in order to be the hosts they have to hundreds.

INDEPENDENT hostel keepers are a breed apart.

So strikingly sure of their values were they that when independent hostels' organisations, in their view, strayed too far into the world of plasticised and homogenised star grading and silly requirements from matching cutlery and carpets onwards, Tom and Allyson stood apart.  " Thanks, but no thanks!" or words to that effect. I remember them so clearly.


Tom, with David & Juan Carlos at an
impromptu jam session at the Lazy Duck
Since those days of near conflict these organisations and the VisitScotland whip which attempted to drive them have stepped away from such folly.  Our hostels surely are a statement of ourselves.  If, as was Tom, we are happily unusual, healthily idiosyncratic even and hanging on to our authenticity in what we offer guests and how we welcome them, we are being true to ourselves.

To Tom, Valery and I owe a debt of real gratitude.  In our setting up the Lazy Duck Hostel in 1998 we were blessed with every encouragement possible together with strong role modelling from Carr Bridge Bunkhouse.  Tom with our other good friend, Ian Bishop of Slochd Mhor Lodge Hostel, ate with us here only weeks ago.

Thanks for everything Tom; hostelling owes you.

For an appreciation, which moved me much, one of far greater depth and some real history on Tom I suggest a read of this blog "Tom Jones RIP- My mate, family man, PTI, Outdoor Man, Prankster and great human being."


Wednesday 17 January 2018

Five reasons why we ♡ skiing in Scotland


It's a challenge, it's an adventure and it's a thrill to put skis on real snow in the UK.  Yes, it's unpredictable, but when your luck is in, there's no better feeling.

1. Choose from 5 resorts

From Glencoe and Nevis Range on the west coast, through to Cairngorm Mountain above Aviemore, and Glenshee and The Lecht in the east. 
  • Cairngorm Mountain is the most popular, probably because it has the best record for snow sureness. The views are great and the lifts are quick. It boasts Scotland's only funicular railway.
  • Glencoe has incredible scenery and there are some steep descents for those who want adventure! And it is home to Scotland's longest ski run. 
  • Nevis Range is often quieter than the other resorts and has some challenging terrain. It also has an artificial slope if snow is in short supply. 
  • Glenshee has something for all abilities and is one of the larger areas with 36 runs to keep you busy. 
  • The Lecht is an attractive small ski area which is great for families and has a fun Penguin Park for younger children. 

2. Great Ski School

The teaching is to a high standard, with friendly BASI-qualified instructors who will take first-timers to the nursery slopes or set a challenge for more experienced skiers and boarders.



3. Your budget

You can buy half-day, full-day or multi-day passes, giving you the flexibility to do other activities on your holiday (whisky tasting anyone?). Lift passes are slightly cheaper than their Alpine rivals, but it’s the in-resort costs that will save you money.  You can have lunch on the slopes without taking out a second mortgage!


4. More than just skiing

There’s a huge choice of activities in Scotland, from mountain biking and hiking to historical attractions and distillery tours. We suggest planning a range of activities with skiing being the icing on the cake.


5. Fabulous hostels nearby

Near Cairngorm Mountain:
Abernethy Bunkhouses (Groups Only)

Near Glencoe and Nevis Range:

Near Glenshee:

Near The Lecht:

Why not use our App to search for friendly, affordable and convenient accommodation! Search for a hostel near you and check reviews, prices, directions and contact details.

The snow cover can be unpredictable, but if you keep an eye on the websites and social media, the resorts will let you know what’s happening each day.  From beautiful light fluffy snow from top to bottom to patchy snow and heather, you never quite know what you’ll get!  Visit Scotland has a good summary.

[Images courtesy of Visit Scotland]