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Lochranza Youth Hostel has celebrated reopening in time for summer 2010 following a £0.5 million refurbishment.

The hostel was officially reopened yesterday by SYHA vice president Judy Roxburgh, who spoke of the timeless appeal of Arran as a destination, and the role the new look hostel would play in tourism on the island.

Speaking to an audience comprised of key Scottish tourism figures, Arran businesses, SYHA board members and hostellers, Judy shared her own memories of hostelling on Arran, and the potential for the new hostel to attract a greater diversity of visitors to the island.

Judy said: “This fine 4 Star hostel now offers a greater degree of accessibility, comfort and security for our guests. Of equal importance, the refurbishment also allowed us to make the building more energy efficient, allowing significant savings while doing our bit for the planet.”

Presenting Lochranza Hostel with a coveted 4 Star Award on behalf of the Board of Visit Scotland, Dorothy Fenwick added: “Four star hostels are by no means ‘ten a penny.’ It is by listening and responding to its customers that SYHA Hostelling Scotland has earned this quality mark.”

Guests at the launch event were treated to a tour of the revamped hostel, live music by a local band, and the chance to view art from Arran, and sample delicious food and drink by renowned Arran producers.

Producers showcasing at the event included Arran Abstracts and Photovisions, Arran Aromatics, Arran Brewery, Arran Dairies, Arran Fair Trade, Arran Whisky, Arran Wildlife Festival, Flying Fever, Island Cheese and the RSPB.

The new look Lochranza Youth Hostel offers high quality, flexible and affordable accommodation to individuals, families and groups, making the perennially popular Isle of Arran more accessible than ever as a fantastic Scottish holiday.

Fully refurbished and redecorated inside and out, this beautiful building now offers a high quality environment designed to exceed the expectations of the modern traveller.

Following the investment in premium beds, en suite private rooms and superior kitchen and shower provisions, the new Lochranza Hostel presents a quality experience, while retaining its traditional charm.

Guests can also be assured ecologically sound measures have topped the list wherever possible, with the installation of rain water harvesting, heat pumps and energy efficient lighting, part funded by Community Energy Scotland and the Scottish Government CARES scheme.

The hostel is also the first in Scotland to achieve Fair Trade status, selling exclusively Fair Trade teas and coffees to guests.

Louise Nowell, Sales & Marketing Director for SYHA Hostelling Scotland, said: “Lochranza Youth Hostel has been a major investment for SYHA Hostelling Scotland, with stunning results.

“Sustainability has been an important factor throughout the refurbishment, resulting in a hostel which oozes traditional charm, but has a dramatically lowered carbon footprint.

“Arran is blessed with breathtaking surroundings, unspoilt nature, intriguing heritage sites, delicious local food and drink, and distinct and inspiring cultural and artistic talent.

“These factors combine to offer an unforgettable travel experience for people from all walks of life, and we are thrilled to play a role in Arran tourism by providing superior hostel accommodation for all.

SYHA Hostelling Scotland is a registered charity dedicated to providing low cost, quality accommodation across Scotland. The charity is committed to promoting the social, environmental and educational benefits of hostelling to all, from families to retired people, couples to groups of friends.

Visit www.hostellingscotland.com for more information about the Hostel Network. Book on line or call the Reservations Team on 0845 293 73 73.