King of the Hill

A youth hostel situated at the foot of the UK’s highest mountain which has welcomed more than 1.3 million guests in its lifetime is celebrating after being given Five-Star status by the national tourism organisation.

VisitScotland awarded Hostelling Scotland’s Glen Nevis Youth Hostel its top Quality Assurance accolade following its recent major refurbishment. The new-look hostel, just outside Fort William – within the Outdoor Capital of the UK - is located at the foot of Ben Nevis, and is surrounded by spectacular scenery. Directly across the road from the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel is a path leading to the peak of the mightiest Munro.

The refurbished hostel offers a wide range of high-quality shared accommodation and private en-suite rooms. New facilities include a contemporary open-plan living space with a log burning stove for the winter months, a well-equipped self-catering kitchen, drying room, laundry and secure bike storage.

The Hostel is also a VisitScotland Information Partner (VIP). Launched in May 2016, the VIP programme harnesses the local knowledge, warmth and enthusiasm of partners across the country to help visitors receive the warmest of welcomes and make the most of their trip to Scotland.

The VIP programme celebrates and supports tourism providers as they act as local ambassadors and help provide information, assistance and advice on all there is to see and do in the local area and beyond.

Chris Taylor, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director, said: “I am delighted that Glen Nevis Youth Hostel has achieved Five Stars – it is testament to all the hard work by Hostelling Scotland and its team over the years - particularly recently with its refurbishment - to bring it up to such a high level.

“Quality Assurance is about more than just the stars on the door – it’s about the entire visitor experience and driving improvement in that experience throughout the Highlands.

“Consumers want quality and value for money experiences. Star gradings help visitors make informed decisions and select businesses that meet, and exceed, these expectations.”

Graham Sheach, Marketing Manager for Hostelling Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have achieved our Five Star rating. The award reflects the hard work and commitment shown by everyone involved in the redevelopment of the Youth Hostel.

“It comes one month after the hostel celebrated 80 years as part of the local community, having welcomed over 1.3 million guests throughout its lifetime. The refurbishment of Glen Nevis represents the start of a new era of hostelling in Scotland.”

For more information about Quality Assurance, visit www.visitscotland.org and for more information about Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, visit www.hostellingscotland.org.uk