Not everyone enjoys the over-commercialised madness and expense of Christmas and New Year. Scottish Independent Hostels offers an affordable, yet friendly alternative with the opportunity to recharge the batteries instead of over-indulgence and stress. Check out seven of their island-based hostels offering a tranquil retreat in breathtaking scenery, great value accommodation and a warm welcome for individuals, families and groups. 

For those still deciding what to do for Christmas and New Year, Scottish Independent Hostels can offer an affordable festive getaway on idyllic island hostels. They offer a welcoming, affordable option for a festive break on your own, or with friends and family. 

Check out 7 of our island hostels with availability for a tranquil retreat over the festive season; from Arran and the Hebrides to the Orkney Islands, Scottish Independent Hostels are all privately owned and are located in the most beautiful parts of Scotland. 

Isle of Coll: Coll Bunkhouse, Isle of Coll, Inner Hebrides

Catch the ferry from Oban to the delightful small island of Coll, famous for the amazing sky at night.  Coll Bunkhouse is open over Christmas and New Year at £21.00 pppn.  Groups booking the hostel on an exclusive basis for 3 nights receive a discount of 25% meaning the whole bunkhouse for up to 16 guests is available for only £252 per night! 01879 230217

Isle of Skye: Portree Independent Hostel, Isle of Skye, Inner Hebrides

Portree Independent Hostel on Skye is family friendly and offers a traditional, warm Scottish welcome.  The hostel has bunkroom availability for both Christmas and New Year at £19.00 pppn- stay for 3 nights at only £17.00 pppn. A Chef-cooked Christmas dinner is available for a small cost with community events setting the festive atmosphere in the town. Contact Pat or Gordon on 01478 613 737 

Isle of Skye: The Cowshed Boutique Bunkhouse, Uig, Isle of Skye, Inner Hebrides

If you are still looking for somewhere special to spend Hogmanay - look no further!  The newly refurbished Cowshed Boutique Bunkhouse still has plenty of space so why not come alone or bring friends. This is definitely an outstanding place to bring in 2016 for only £20.00pppn.  Phone Catherine on 07917 536 820

Isle of Harris: The Backpackers Stop. Tarbert, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides

For the perfect escape from the madness of Christmas and New Year, The Backpackers Stop in Tarbert on the Isle of Harris is open for Christmas and New Year at £20.00pppn. A walk on breathtakingly beautiful Luskentyre Beach would set you up for the New Year! Phone Lee on 01859 502163 

Orkney: Papa Westray Hostel, Isle of Papa Westray

Celebrate New Year and take the shortest plane journey in the world to Papa Westray! Get away from it all and join in with the community festivities. Papa Westray Hostel has comfortable en-suite rooms and dorm beds available throughout Christmas & New Year - stay 2 nights and get 3rd night half price. Papa Westray is a great place to get away from it all or experience warm island hospitality for a traditional island dinner/dance. Contact Jennifer on 01857 644224

Orkney: Hamnavoe Hostel, Stromness, Orkney Mainland

If you want to avoid all the fireworks, bring in the New Year with the Pipe Band on the Pierhead in Stromness with perhaps a display of the Northern Lights if you are lucky.  Hamnavoe Hostel has rooms available over Christmas and New Year, with single, family and twin accommodation. Stromness is the perfect base for exploring Orkney. For more information call George on 01856 851202

Isle of Arran: Kilmory Bunkhouse, Kilmory, Isle of Arran, North Ayrshire

Join in with the community at Kilmory Bunkhouse for Christmas and New Year.  There are community festivities at nearby Kildonan and a community celebration on January 2nd in Kilmory Hall which guests are welcome to join in with.  Prices start at £21.00 pppn for dorms with ensuite family rooms available. There is a special rates for groups and a community bus for hire.  Contact Andrea on 01770 870 345 

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For further information contact Margaret Matthew on sih@hostel-scotland.co.uk 

Tel: 07764768067/ 01383 413126

www.hostel-scotland.co.uk

Notes to Eds

1.            For the full list of affordable festive accommodation still available at Scottish Independent Hostels click here

http://www.hostel-scotland.co.uk/special-offers/christmas-and-new-year

2.            Scottish Independent Hostels is an Association of 125 privately owned hostels throughout Scotland

3.            Hostelling in Scotland is changing – there are more private and ensuite rooms available, while retaining the shared living and equipment facilities that make hostels convenient, affordable and friendly