We’d like to introduce ourselves, the current Board of Directors. We were elected at our last AGM in 2021 and we are 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 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!”
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.”
Carrie joined as a Scottish Hostels Director in 2022
“I've lived in the Great Glen my whole life, except for the 2 years I studied Equine Studies up in Thurso. My original life plan was to be working with horses as an instructor, which I did for 4 years after leaving college, at my local riding centre. Then after leaving there, I took a 5-week holiday to Australia in early 2014, and when I got back (literally, I was still laid out with jet lag) I was offered a job at Morag's Lodge for a couple of months over the summer season, and I have yet to leave! I love the hostel work environment, of laid-back hard work, working along side like minded people who love to travel, and meeting so many diverse and interesting travellers that come through our doors. I can see myself still being here many years from now”
We’d also like to introduce you to the people working behind the scenes at Scottish Hostels to make sure things run smoothly!
We take care of all things marketing for Scottish Hostels on our website, blogs and social media. Please get in touch via marketing@scottish-hostels.com about any marketing questions you may have.
Admin, Membership & Compliance Officer
Kate joined the Scottish Hostels Team in May 2022. She provides support to our Board of Directors and the Members of Scottish Hostels.
"I have to confess, I’m not a born hosteller although since 2017 I have been living above Argyll Backpackers, so I’m definitely getting a better idea of what’s involved! It’s probably a bit of a cliché but I didn’t expect to meet such a huge variety of guests; as far afield as New Zealand and as close to the home as Lochgilphead. When I found out that there was a vacancy in the Scottish Hostels team it seemed like a great opportunity to make links with other hostels around the country and give me a new career challenge. So far it’s all going to plan – as long as I’ve still got time to ride my bike!?"