SIH Guide to a Hair-Raising Hogmanay

Hogmanay is the winter festival where Scotland comes into its own.  It’s so much more than a New Year celebration, it’s a very big deal in Scotland.

Take Edinburgh.  This historic city celebrates Hogmanay with a three-day festival, starting with a torchlight procession on 30th December lead by real Vikings (or as near as) from the Royal Mile to Carlton Hill.  The next day is devoted to the street party with concerts, ceilidhs and fireworks galore.  Followed by a traditional dunk in the icy Forth the next day, known as the Loony Dook, for the bravest of visitors and locals.

The Loony Dook, New Year's Day

Other Traditions:

First-Footing - After the stroke of midnight, friends and neighbours visit each other, with gifts such as shortbread or a lump of coal. In return they are given a wee dram to toast the New Year. It signifies your fortunes for the coming year.

Redding the House – A big clean up before new year, clearing away evil spirits and Christmas debris at the same time!

Fire Festivals – If the cleaning doesn’t get rid of the evil spirits, a giant bonfire and firelight procession might do the trick.  The Stonehaven Fireballs festival (south of Aberdeen) is one of the most dramatic.

Stonehaven Fireballs Festival

Auld Lang Syne – Singing Robert Burns’ poem is an essential part of the celebrations. No miming, here are the words.
And you need to get physical, the singing is accompanied by a linking of arms which cross each singer’s chest.

Irn Bru – the traditional Scottish hangover cure.



Images courtesy of Visit Scotland.

The story of Kyle of Tongue Hostel & Holiday Park; from Ancient Sewage Systems to High Quality Accommodation

In 2014, Stephen, Carol, Richard & Suzanne Mackay purchased Tongue Youth Hostel from the Scottish Youth Hostel Association (SYHA).

The vision

Their vision was to transform the undeveloped but prime land surrounding the Hostel into a thriving, and much needed in the area, campsite & caravan park.

On the banks of picturesque Kyle of Tongue and on the North Coast 500 route

The aim was to create a “one stop shop” for affordable accommodation located on the banks of the picturesque Kyle of Tongue and primely on the North Coast 500 route. This vision was welcomed by the SYHA and thus Kyle of Tongue Hostel & Holiday Park was formed as an affiliate to the SYHA Organisation.

Affordable AND high quality accommodation

Five years later, in May 2019, the team at Kyle of Tongue Hostel & Holiday Park proudly declared the new, fully equipped and high quality campsite & caravan park open to the public.

Obstacles and hurdles

To reach this point, a number of obstacles and hurdles had to be overcome including ancient sewage systems, planning permissions and funding applications to name but a few. However, the team worked hard and are thrilled with the new site.

One stop shop for affordable accommodation

Along the way, Kyle of Tongue Hostel & Holiday Park also have purchased a holiday cottage adjacent to the Hostel and two static caravans for rental. The business truly is now the “one stop shop” for affordable accommodation that they had envisioned all those years ago!

News from David & Valery Dean, from The Lazy Duck, Cairngorms

Current and former owners of Cairngorms Hostels gathered on Sunday 1st Dec at The Lazy Duck in Nethy Bridge to mark the retirement of David & Valery Dean.  Having built their hostel business and associated camping and eco-accommodation within the now, six acre site, they have decided to hand over the running of the accommodation and associated care of the wildfowl on the Fhuarain Burn, to take life at a steadier pace.

A big part of the hostelling community

Over the last 20 years Valery and David have built up their business to include a variety of accommodation. More importantly, throughout this period, they have devoted their voluntary time to the wider hostelling business with David holding the appointments of Chairperson of Scottish Independent Hostels (formerly Independent Backpackers Hostels Scotland) and Cairngorms Hostels.  Along with Ian Bishop and Rebecca Mackellar, formerly of Slochd Hostel and Ardenbeg Bunkhouse respectively, they worked with the Cairngorms Business Partnership to bring hostels from both sides of the Cairngorms National Park together for marketing and business purposes. Valery, in the meantime continued to support David in the business whilst bringing up their family and grandchildren and well as visiting her mother, who also lived close by. Dealing with the quirky personalities of individual hostel owners has been tricky at times and at the helm, David used his tact and good humour to enable a diverse group of businesses to ‘collaborate to compete’ .

New steward tenants for Lazy Duck

David and Valery are leaving a superb legacy. The Lazy Duck now has new Steward tenants, Sarah Miller and Phil Hodgkiss  who are intending to treasure and maintain the ethos at The Lazy Duck and to retain, in a different way, its hostel status.  Independent Hostelling within the Cairgnorms National Park and beyond in Scotland,  is definitely more successful as a result of these two hard-working, caring and enabling individuals.

Hostel Winners - Scottish Outdoor and Leisure Awards

Great to see a couple of our hostel businesses have joined the list of Winners and Highly Recommended for the Scottish Outdoor and Leisure Awards #SOLA2019 Awards!

Craggan Outdoors, based in Grantown-on-Spey walked away with the accolade of ‘Best Outdoor Adventure Experience’.

Best Outdoor Adventure Experience

Speaking about the achievement, Craggan Outdoors’ Managing Director Keith Ballam said: “We are of course absolutely delighted to have the business recognised in this way. Over the years we’ve been nominated for & won various regional awards, & have previously been a finalist at a national level, but to be named as the ‘Best Outdoor Adventure Experience’ in Scotland goes above & beyond any prior achievement.”

Ardenbeg Bunkhouse, is part of the award-winning Craggan Outdoors activity centre. Ardenbeg offers good value accommodation for groups of up to 23 people.

Highly Recommended - Best Value Accommodation

In the heart of the Mabie Forest just 6 miles from Dumfries, Marthrown of Mabie offers a range of accommodation including a bunkhouse, tipis, yurt, roundhouse and woodland camping.  We were delighted to hear they were named "Highly Recommended" for "Best Value Accommodation" in the awards.  

It's been a successful run for Marthrown of Mabie, also voted "10 of the best hostels in rural Scotland" in The Guardian, earlier this year. 

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Helmsdale

Situated on the East Coast, in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, Helmsdale is a hidden gem of a harbour town.  Helmsdale Hostel is run by Marie who will provide you with all information you need to make the most out of your stay in Helmsdale.

Salmon Fishing

The River Helmsdale has some of the best salmon fishing in the north of Scotland. Salmon can be caught from the opening day of the season on the 11th January right through until the river closes on 30th September. Visitors can obtain permits daily or by the week.

Xmas and New Year Celebrations

A wonderful place to enjoy Christmas and/or New Year.  Helmsdale Hostel offers a cosy welcome to groups over the festive period. Open fires, spacious rooms and excellent facilities, including ensuites in dorms and private bedrooms.

Land's End John O'Groats Route

Local buses can take you to different start points on the route and the hostel has an excellent drying room if the weather is challenging! Find out more.

Gold Panning

Try your luck at Baile an Or, the site of the Great Sutherland Gold Rush of 1869. If you don’t strike it rich, you’ll still be able to enjoy the beautiful Highland scenery!

On the NC500 

The perfect stopping place on the hugely popular North Coast 500 route. If you’re on 2-wheels they’ve even got a cycle shed to store your bikes.

Timespan Museum and Arts Centre

Just by Helmsdale Bridge, you’ll find Timespan, a wonderful local museum and art gallery with a great little gift shop and café. It’s a real gem!

Wildlife Spotting

This beautiful scenic area in the North East of Scotland is a haven for wildlife, particularly famous for red deer and birdlife.

Helmsdale Beach

A wonderful place to take time out to enjoy the lovely scenery and location.  Take a good look at the beautiful rocks (the Timespan Museum has lots of info the local geology).

Helmsdale Harbour

Enjoy seasonal boat trips for some excellent bird-watching, sight-seeing and sea angling.

Proper Fish and Chips

There are some great local places to enjoy a bite to eat, some reviews claim they have the best fish and chips in the Highlands!

Find out more about Helmsdale Hostel...

Hello Autumn (Part 3) | Top Tips for Scotland’s most Vibrant Season

Ballater Hostel, Cairngorms National Park

A great spot in the centre of Ballater, near Balmoral, on the east side of the spectacular Cairngorms National Park.

• Fantastic range of activities available throughout the National Park, all with the backdrop of the most colourful scenery.
• Sample one of Scotland’s most exclusive whiskies at the nearby Royal Lochnagar Distillery 
• Hire the whole hostel for groups or family gatherings - available for New Year!

Craignure Bunkhouse, Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides

Explore miles of stunning coastline with amazing wildlife, the autumn colours are spectacular! 

• Tobermory is a great place to stop and stock up on local produce. 
• Venture out and discover the tiny, enchanting Isle of Iona. 
• Availability for group/room bookings over Christmas and New Year

Isle of Muck Hostel, Inner Hebrides

A great place from which to explore the wonderful island of Muck, which is part of the Small Isles, on the west coast of Scotland. Warm and comfortable accommodation awaits whatever the weather!

• Perfect for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts.  Visit seal colony, white sandy beaches and take a walk up to the highest point on the island, Beinn Airein.
• Panoramic sea views at every turn making for a memorable holiday. 
• Winter special: mid Oct-mid March £350/week excluding New Year week.

Comrie Croft, Southern Highlands

Comrie Croft is awash with outdoor adventure opportunities over the autumn and winter. 

• Test out the biking trails, hiking trails and bushcraft skills
• If the weather has you heading for shelter, the Famous Grouse and Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre are nearby. 
• Comrie Croft Events: Wee Nosy Wedding Fair on 16th Nov 12 - 3pm. Winter/Christmas Market on 17th Nov 2 - 5pm

Hello Autumn (Part 2) | Top Tips for Scotland’s most Vibrant Season

Ardenbeg Bunkhouse, Craggan Outdoors, Cairngorms National Park 

There is a huge amount of activities available all year round, and there are family discounts and mid-week breaks in the autumn and winter.

• Enjoy autumn mountain biking at Glenbeg, with views across to the Cairngorms and Cromdale Hills
• Craggan Fishery (sneak in before it closes in October) offers the most scenic setting in the Aviemore and Cairngorms area.
• Learn some Bear Grylls survival skills on the bushcraft sessions the centre runs.

Coll Bunkhouse, Isle of Coll, Hebrides

Experience Autumnal Scotland at its best with beautiful beaches, fantastic wildlife and unspoiled wilderness all on your doorstep.

• Awesome night sky on your doorstep, Coll is Scotland’s only island International Dark Sky Community. 
• Enjoy the white sands and temperate winter climate
• Tasty, hearty food served locally

Forest Way, North West Highlands 

This hostel is in the heart of Strathmore next to the River Broom and marvellous mountain scenery. There are lots of wonderful spots for enjoying the autumn colours.

• Brave the walk across the Corrieshalloch Gorge suspension bridge as the River Droma rushes through a mile-long box canyon below. 
• You’ll spot rare trees and shrubs on the Lael Forest walking trail 
• And if that’s not enough, there’s more Munros and Corbetts than you can shake a stick at!

Callander Hostel, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Autumn is glorious in The Trossachs. Set in one of Callander's oldest and most distinctive buildings, Callander Hostel is hostelling at its very best!

• The famous Loch Katrine and Sir Walter Scott Steamboat is not to be missed.  
• Enjoy a weekend of fun and music at the Callander Jazz and Blues Festival from Friday 4-6th October 
• Hostel Offers: November to Feb - sole occupancy of the hostel for £350 per night (excluding Christmas and New Year).  New Year for £500 per night (minimum of 2 nights stay). 

Hello Autumn (Part 1) | Top Tips for Scotland’s most Vibrant Season

1. The landscape is spectacular. From late September and through to November, enjoy the fiery autumn leaves and bright blue skies.
2. The weather is still mild, but there is a good excuse to get cosy in the cooler evenings.
3. Crowds have thinned leaving you to explore without the queues
4. Skies can be the bluest of blues and the air is super fresh!
5. Our hostels offer you a warm welcome and a cosy bed for the night

Here are a few ideas of where you can go and what you can do:

Galloway Activity Centre, Hostel on the shores of Loch Ken

This family-run centre offers a huge number of activities all year round. Don't miss:

• The starry skies - the Galloway Forest Park has Dark Sky status, with extremely low levels of light pollution  making it ideal for night gazers and star spotters. 
• The 7 Stanes mountain biking heaven - situated right in the middle of 5 out of the 7Stanes venues.  
• Nightime Laser tag - added excitement with a nighttime battle!

Not forgetting fun sessions in sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing as well as dry activities such as archery, climbing, mountain biking and outdoor laser-quest.

Loch Ness Backpackers, On the Great Glen Way

Loch Ness Backpackers is a warm and friendly little hostel with a relaxed atmosphere. 

• Urquhart Castle, spectacular in the autumn colours
• Loch Ness and the Monster Exhibitions, Nessie often appears when the summer holidays are over...
• Walking trails are truly magical in the autumn. The hostel is next to the Great Glen Way and nearby Glen Africa and the Falls of Foyers. 

Ardtornish Estate Bunkhouse, Loch Aline

On Scotland's west coast, the Ardtornish Estate spreads out around Loch Aline, a huge, wooded, U-shaped bay, a natural haven.

• Get muddy, breathe deeply, relax completely and soak up the sheer beauty of this wonderful part of west Scotland.
• Join the photography workshop and capture the rugged mountains, stunning coastlines, freshwater lochs, ancient woodlands and heather moorland.
• Ring in the New Year at ceilidh hosted in the grand hall of Ardtornish house.  Free entry for guests to these not-to-be-missed Hogmany celebrations.

Helmsdale Hostel, North East of Scotland 

Newly refurbished, enjoy the welcoming open fire, cosy dorms and private bedrooms.

• The perfect stop off on the NC500 and Land's End John O'Groats Route
• Bracing walks on the pristine sandy beaches.
• Visit the award-winning Timespan Heritage Centre 

Highland Games - Our Top Tips for a Great Day Out

We’re spoilt for entertainment in August.  Visitors from across the globe flock to Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival, the largest arts festival in the world.  But, there’s plenty of entertainment all over Scotland that gets right to the heart of the Scottish culture.  We’re talking about the Highland Games held all over the country in some of the most idyllic settings.

Visiting a Highland Games ensures you’ll join in the true spirit of Scotland. They’ll be sporting spectacles, including the “heavy events”; the caber toss, shot put, tug-o-war and hammer throw.

Tossing the Caber

A full length tree trunk, usually Scots pine, is lifted and thrown into the air so that it flips mid-air and lands on its top end. A straight landing gets more marks!

Tug O’War

A sport where passions run high!  Teams of eight try and pull each other across the line. You’ll know when the Tug o’War is starting from the noise of the crowds! Not to be missed.

Hammer Throw

A large metal ball is whirled round the head and thrown as far as they can.

Then, of course, there are the bagpipes, kilts, dancing and whisky, all of which feature heavily at any self-respecting Highland Games gathering.

Our Top Tips

1. Dress for all weathers
2. Join in the spirit - there’s often the chance to have a go yourself!
3. Don’t miss the food feast! They’re great local food available.
4. Stay with your local friendly SIH hostel. They’ll give you the inside knowledge of how to get the most out of your Highland adventure!

Highland Games dates
Find a hostel

Photos thanks to Visit Scotland