Helmsdale Hostel Under New Ownership

2nd September 2006

The well-known hostel at Helmsdale run by the Scottish Youth Hostel Association was put up for sale and many folk thought that was the end of an era.

However the hostel was bought by Irene Drummond and after a lot of work reopened earlier this year. The hostel is spic and span once again and offers a high standard of hostel accommodation in one of the most scenic areas in the north of Scotland.

Helmesdale is on the way to the far north and makes an attractive stop-over at a harbour town that has its own visitor centre at Timespan where you can see how once people tried to make their fortune ion the Kildonan Gold rush. Indeed many people still have go at panning for gold and small amounts are still found. Although not deemed to be commercial the thrill of finding even a particle of gold in a local stream on a family outing makes the day an unforgettable experience.

The hostel has male and female dorms and can accomodate 8 - 10 people in each. there is also one family room for four. At £15 per night this is a very inexpensive way of seeing the Highlands and many young people, cyclists and families can make their way round the coast travelling from hostel to hostel. Jennifer Drummond has ensure that this stopover can still be made for the foreseeable future.

Irene has also set up web site with full details and contact information to make booking easy. So if you are cycling or touring in groups or with the family check out the Helmsdale Hostel.

See more of Helmsdale at www.caithness.org/atoz/sutherland/helmsdale/index.htm
and also
www.helmsdale.org