As a charity, we are keen to involve volunteers in the operation of our hostels, and have different opportunities for volunteering activities throughout the year. 

We have a number of hostels which are managed by volunteers during the season, including Raasay and Tomintoul in the North of Scotland and Kendoon, Broadmeadows and Kirk Yetholm in the South. Without the help of our volunteers, it would be difficult for us to keep these very special small hostels open. 

Volunteers are normally asked to manage a hostel for a minimum of two weeks at a time.  The duties are similar to those of a full-time hostel manager, and include reception duties, processing bookings and memberships, handling cash and other forms of payment and maintaining the hostel to a high standard of cleanliness. Health and safety issues are obviously very important, and the manager also acts as the face of SYHA to their guests, so customer service is integral to the role.

All volunteer manager applicants go through a selection process, and those who are successful attend a 2-day training course at our National Office in Stirling in the Spring. 

If you would like to apply to be a volunteer manager, please contact volunteers@syha.org.uk to request a registration form.

There are also opportunities from time to time for volunteers to carry out projects within hostels, which could include decorating, gardening and minor maintenance work. Details will be posted on this page as projects are confirmed.