Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling
THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.
Article Source: Hostelling Scotland
Last Updated: 7 February 2025 10:26
Image Credit: Beth Chalmers
More than 350,000 people visit one of Scotland’s 29 youth hostels and 24 affiliate hostels each year, helping the not-for-profit charity generate £9 million in turnover and contribute an estimated £25 million to the economy.
While the impact of Covid-19 pandemic and shifting trends in travel temporarily slowed hostelling's popularity amongst under 25s, Hostelling Scotland says interest has since soared amongst 18-24 year olds – narrowly behind only the 25-34 age group – signalling a revitalised hunger for affordable, social travel options.
The surging interest has prompted Hostelling Scotland to seek greater Gen Z representation on its board of trustees to help shape the future of the charity and its hostels, and make it even more appealing to future generations. The organisation wants to appoint three volunteer ‘adventure curators’ to its board of 12 trustees, who will contribute to improving its offering for younger people, and crucially its efforts to communicate and connect with Gen Z travellers.
While the hostelling experience is very different from when the charity was founded in 1931, perceptions have been slow to catch up. Hostelling has undergone an image change in recent years, driven by a programme of modernisation in the face of a more competitive market amid the rise of budget hotels and short-term lets. Hostelling Scotland’s portfolio now offers high-quality facilities across the board, including private en-suite rooms and stylish communal spaces.
Sophie Bell, 28, joined Hostelling Scotland’s board in 2018 after taking part in a Santander initiative designed to upskill young people in governance. Now a fundraising manager at Scottish homelessness charity Cyrenians, she credits her time on the board with boosting her career and wants to see more young people take on similar roles.
She said: “Hostelling is hugely popular among young people across Europe, but in Scotland, it’s often seen as outdated or only for the countryside. The reality is very different – modern hostels have great facilities, private rooms, and are in cities as well as rural areas. The biggest challenge is awareness. More young voices on the board will help shape the way we reach Gen Z, whether through social media, influencers, or other modern approaches.”
Sophie added that board experience offers personal and professional benefits, adding: “It’s given me insight into strategic decision-making, finance, and governance – things that have helped in my career. I’d encourage any young professional to go for it. You don’t need all the answers on day one, and the support available is fantastic.”
The call for new trustees is part of Hostelling Scotland’s wider commitment to board diversity, ensuring young people have a voice in shaping its future. No previous board experience is required, and successful applicants will receive training in charity governance, finance, and strategic leadership.
Margo Paterson, CEO of Hostelling Scotland, said: “We want our board to reflect the communities we serve. Young people bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and energy, and a more representative board will help us evolve. This is a great opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain governance experience, and shape the future of sustainable travel in Scotland.”
Hostelling Scotland is seeking applications from individuals passionate about sustainable travel and community. The role involves attending four to five board meetings per year, with some in person, and participating in a sub-committee.
To express interest and receive a nomination pack, email Margo at companysecretary@hostellingscotland.org.uk. Applications close on March 7 2025.
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Scottish Excellence Awards 2026 Shortlist showcases strength of hospitality sector
Finalists have been announced for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026.
READ MORE
Excitement as first acts announced for inaugural Culture Night Stirling: Carnival of the Wolf
Stirling Council is thrilled to announce the first acts of a new innovative cultural festival that will transform Stirling and the surrounding areas on Friday 1st May 2026.
READ MORE
Doune and Deanston Youth Project community celebrate the opening of their new building
The official opening of a new purpose-built community building has been celebrated by local residents in Doune and Deanston, together with key partners and supporters.
READ MORE
Support for bereaved families in Scotland is vital ahead of Mothers Day
As Mother's Day approaches, the charity Sands is sharing simple ways anyone in Scotland, and across the UK, can show they care for a mum they know, who's been touched by pregnancy or baby loss.
READ MORE
Stirling Business Awards 2026 winners revealed including Outstanding Woman in Business
Stirling's business owners have been recognised for their achievements and rewarded with trophies in the 2026 Stirling Business Awards.
READ MORE
Celebrate Mothers Day at Zizzi
Zizzi is offering a three-course set menu for £29.95 this Mother's Day, with a special treat for every matriarch.
READ MORE
From snow cabins to loch side hot tubs... 5 unique Scottish Mothers Day escapes
Beyond the traditional Sunday lunch, Mother's Day offers the perfect excuse to slow down and spend quality time together.
READ MORE
Inchyra Hotel & Spa welcomes local residents with exclusive discount
Four-star destination Inchyra Hotel & Spa is giving back to its Falkirk community with a new exclusive local discount.
READ MORE
Scottish Dance Theatre presents Scottish Roots
Scotland's flagship dance company Scottish Dance Theatre present the world premiere of Scottish Roots, a new triple bill celebrating the dialogue between tradition and innovation in Scottish culture.
READ MORE
New InspireHER webinar series launches to empower women to take their first step into business
Women are being invited to explore their entrepreneurial potential through a brand-new programme of free, confidence-building webinars and coaching sessions delivered by Business Gateway.
READ MORE
Baz Luhrmann takes centre stage on the big screen at Vue this March
From Romeo + Juliet to Elvis, five films from legendary auteur Baz Luhrmann are arriving at Vue this month!
READ MORE
Dobbies launches Spring Garden Savings Weekend
Dobbies is welcoming the new season with its Spring Garden Savings Weekend, running from 5th - 9th March, inviting local gardeners to kick-start spring with fresh inspiration and great savings!
READ MORE
Stirlingshire restaurant turns kitchen to classroom for high school master chefs
A restaurant in Bridge of Allan has turned its kitchen into a temporary classroom to help nurture the next generation of culinary talent from Wallace High School in Stirling.
READ MORE
Stirling Good Food Fortnight to celebrate local flavours and community spirit
Stirling will celebrate the very best of local produce, people and place when the first-ever Stirling Good Food Fortnight takes place from 1-14 March 2026.
READ MORE
Community Wellbeing Group marks milestone year with Holistic Fair in Dunblane
A grassroots wellbeing organisation is celebrating its first year of supporting the local community - with a vibrant Holistic & Wellbeing Fair in Dunblane this month.
READ MORE
The GWCT Scottish Game Fair returns better than ever for 2026
Scotland's much-loved outdoor celebration is officially back, The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scottish Game Fair will return to the stunning grounds of Scone Palace this July!
READ MORE
BBC Radio 2 in the Park 2026 to take place in City Park, Stirling
Over the three-day festival, some of the most loved artists and Radio 2's presenters will perform across three stages at City Park in Stirling!
READ MORE
Clackmannanshire Whisky Festival celebrates 5th birthday with its biggest year yet
Clackmannanshire's much-loved Whisky Festival returns to Alloa Town Hall on 9th May 2026, marking an incredible five years of celebrating whisky, local heritage, community and wellbeing!
READ MORE
The beloved stories of Roald Dhal return to the big screen at Vue
A number of iconic film adaptations based on the work of children's author Roald Dahl are returning to the big screen at Vue Cinemas across Scotland.
READ MORE
Free gardening workshops for kids return to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres' monthly children's gardening workshop returns this March, and the topic is peas and other pod plants.
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity launches Yellow Yogis
Beatson Cancer Charity has announced the launch of Yellow Yogis, a brand-new fundraising initiative set to bring thousands of people together for a large-scale yoga event at Glasgow's SEC!
READ MORE
Biggest ever World Gaelic Week blasts off
The fifth edition of World Gaelic Week gets underway today. This year is the biggest celebration yet, with more than 200 events taking place across the week.
READ MORE
Dinner Meets Detective Work: Six by Nico reveals Sherlock Holmes dining experience
Traitors UK Champion Jake Brown fronts Six by Nico's Sherlock Holmes campaign!
READ MORE
Sheridan Smith shines in Funny Girl on the big screen as West End revival returns to cinemas to mark 10 year anniversary of the acclaimed production
To mark the production's West End anniversary, Liberator Film is bringing the film of this award-winning production to cinemas across the UK and Ireland for a limited run starting on 30 April.
READ MORE
Forth Valley serves up Food, Drink and Tourism Month 2026
Plans are already well underway for this year's Food, Drink and Tourism Business Month 2026!
READ MORE
Win lunch with George Clooney, stay at Gleneagles & help raise funds for Social Bite
Donate to win lunch as part of a small, intimate group with Hollywood star George Clooney!
READ MORE
From a single cottage to a nationwide network as Hostelling Scotland marks 95 years
Hostelling Scotland marks 95 years by releasing archive and contemporary images charting its journey from a single converted cottage in 1931 to a nationwide network of hostels.
READ MORE
Scotland Home of the Year star, Danny Campbell, set to host design workshop at Sterling Home
Shoppers and interior design fans are invited to a fun-filled day out as Sterling Home hosts a special in-store event at its recently refurbished Tillicoultry store on Saturday 21st February.
READ MORE
Sophie Ellis Bextor and Marc Almond join huge line up at Discovery Festival 2026
The full line-up for Dundee's Discovery Festival has been announced, joining the epic roster are Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Marc Almond, The Wanted 2.0 and Haircut 100!
READ MORE
Country and Western themed Sound Bites Festival promises locals and visitors a rootin tootin time
Alloa town centre is set to be bustling with activity when Sound Bites Festival rides back into town for its second year on Saturday 28 March, this time with a country and western theme.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links