Hostels and bothies closed amid coronavirus lockdown
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Hostels and bothies across Scotland are closed until further notice following the tight restrictions over coronavirus.
Hostelling Scotland said its 33 youth hostels, including those at Inverness, Achmelvich and Aviemore in the Highlands, would be closed from Monday, March 23.
Margo Paterson, chief executive of Hostelling Scotland, said: “It is with great sadness that we have had to temporarily close our youth hostel network until further notice. However, the health, safety and wellbeing of our people and guests along with protecting the communities in which we all live and work is our utmost priority at this time.
“We really appreciate the hard work being carried out by all healthcare workers and those on the front line, looking after people and keeping us safe. Although our hostels are closing, we shall be talking with the NHS and other public services to see how best our hostels can support essential services.
“When we all start travelling again, we will be here for you and ready to provide the warm welcome you’ve come to expect from our organisation. Please stay well and look after one another.
“We look forward to welcoming you again very soon.”
The organisation says it will keep in touch with members and others through its newsletters and social media channels as well as at www.hostellingscotland.org.uk
Meanwhile, all bothies looked after by the Mountain Bothies Association have also been closed and all meetings and work parties have been cancelled.
