We’d like to introduce ourselves, the current Board of Directors. We were elected at our last AGM in 2021 and we are all volunteers and passionate about hostelling!
We’d like to introduce ourselves, the current Board of Directors. We were elected at our last AGM in 2021 and we are all volunteers and passionate about hostelling!
Chair of Scottish Hostels
Dominique joined as a SIH Director in 2017
“I moved from Yorkshire to Aberdeenshire with my husband Daniel in August 2016 to take over Ballater Hostel. I previously worked in banking for 11 years – so a slight change in career but we have never looked back.
Originally called Habitat @Ballater, the hostel has 29 beds and is set in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. We’ve slowly put our mark on the place – officially changing the name in May 2017.
We’ve always been enthusiastic hostellers (first night of our honeymoon was spent in a hostel - Skiddaw House) and we don’t just rely on feedback from guests either – we cook in the kitchen, eat in the dining room and have slept in every bed – we test out noise levels, comfort, usability - all to enhance the customer experience. We love spending time talking, sharing stories and mixing with our guests. I personally jumped at the chance to join in a onesie party and we even had one group run a ceilidh from our living room! I’m a keen walker, caver (although not many caves in Scotland!) and outdoor enthusiast, dabble in running, occasionally cycle, orienteer when I can, and am keen to learn the bagpipes!”
Vice Chair of Scottish Hostels
Greg joined as a SIH Director in 2020
“Along with my wife Helen, I have owned and run Saddle Mountain Hostel in Invergarry since 2015. I worked in the legal profession before and certainly have no regrets about changing career!
We live in a fantastic place for outdoor activities, and I love getting outside, particularly for walking and cycling. There are few parts of the Scottish Highlands I haven’t visited. On holiday our accommodation of choice is a hostel and we have stayed at many SIH member hostels.”
Pam joined as a Scottish Hostels Director in 2021.
“I own and run Argyll Backpackers - and really was born into the role! My inspiration for designing and building my hostel originated with my parents, who met while hostelling in Scotland during the late 1940s. From a young age, I’ve inherited the hostelling bug. Having stayed in many different hostels over the years both here and abroad, I love the community ethos of hostelling.”
We’d also like to introduce you to the people working behind the scenes at Scottish Hostels to make sure things run smoothly!
Marketing officer
Nicky joined the Scottish Hostels Team in 2018. She does all things marketing for Scottish Hostels on our website, blogs and social media. She is always happy to chat to the hostels about any marketing questions they have.
“I moved to Scotland from London 14 years ago. I was only staying for 3 years, but I'm still here, which shows how much I love the country. Working with Scottish Hostels is a fascinating job. It's taught me a lot about the geography, culture and amazing experiences Scotland has to offer. I also love chatting to the hostellers; they're such a diverse and interesting bunch of people with a huge knowledge of their local areas.”
Admin and Membership Officer
Helen joined the Scottish Hostels Team in 2021. She provides support to our Board of Directors and the Members of Scottish Hostels.
“If you’ve read the Director biographies, you’ll have probably worked out that I’m the other half of the Saddle Mountain Hostel team so I have a bit of “insider” knowledge about hostelling! I love being part of the Scottish Hostels’ community and working for the benefit a such a great sector. When I’m not working for Scottish Hostels or running the hostel, I’m most likely to be found hiking up a mountain.”