Hostel guests enjoy hot showers for first time in 85 years

A REMOTE Scottish youth hostel is providing hot showers for its guests for the first time in its 85-year history.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Jul 2016, 12:05 BST
Updated 29th Jul 2016, 13:07 BST

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Loch Ossian Youth Hostel providing hot showers for first time in 85 years. Picture: SYHA Hostelling ScotlandLoch Ossian Youth Hostel providing hot showers for first time in 85 years. Picture: SYHA Hostelling Scotland
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel providing hot showers for first time in 85 years. Picture: SYHA Hostelling Scotland

Thanks to the development of locally-sourced hydro power to complement the existing micro-generated solar power supply, SYHA Hostelling Scotland has been able to extensively upgrade Loch Ossian’s guest facilities.

This includes the introduction of a fridge and electric heaters throughout. Full laundry facilities in the youth hostel means that all bed linen is now provided by SYHA, cutting out the requirement for guests to bring sleep sheets or sleeping bags.

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Loch Ossian is providing hot water to its guests for the first time. Picture: SYHA Hostelling ScotlandLoch Ossian is providing hot water to its guests for the first time. Picture: SYHA Hostelling Scotland
Loch Ossian is providing hot water to its guests for the first time. Picture: SYHA Hostelling Scotland
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Loch Ossian Youth Hostel is a small, homely eco-hostel, converted from the old Corrour Estate loch-side waiting room and located in stunning isolation on the south western shore of Loch Ossian on Rannoch Moor in the West Highlands.

It is one of Scotland’s most remote hostels, only accessible by rail - Corrour Station, the highest mainline railway station in the UK - followed by a 20-minute walk.

For those feeling a little more adventurous, the youth hostel is also approachable by all directions by bike or foot.

Loch Ossian Youth Hostel is reputed to be the most visited eco youth hostel in Europe and has a Gold award from the Green Business Tourism Scheme as a result of its existing environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient systems.

Loch Ossian is providing hot water to its guests for the first time. Picture: SYHA Hostelling ScotlandLoch Ossian is providing hot water to its guests for the first time. Picture: SYHA Hostelling Scotland
Loch Ossian is providing hot water to its guests for the first time. Picture: SYHA Hostelling Scotland

Green initiatives include water free composting toilets, a reed bed grey water drainage system, good insulation and double glazing. The youth hostel staff also use exclusively green cleaning materials. The recent addition of locally sourced hydro power further enhances this prestigious award.

Jan Robinson, Loch Ossian Youth Hostel manager, said: “We are really excited to be connected to hydro power, generated locally on the Corrour Estate.

“We are as ‘green’ as ever. We have been able to upgrade our facilities, offering our guests much more comfort, especially hot showers after a long day on the hill.”

Loch Ossian Youth Hostel is open all year-round and is a perfect base for low level walks, Munro expeditions, bike riding and wildlife watching.

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It is also available through ‘Exclusively yours…RentaHostel’ for exclusive group use.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway for a special party, a short activity break with family and friends, a study group or a work event, Loch Ossian provides the perfect value for money venue for any occasion.

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