SYHA Hostelling Scotland’s eco Youth Hostel, Loch Ossian won a UK Water Efficiency Award this month at the Environment Agency and Waterwise biannual UK Water Efficiency Awards 2012 – Exemplar Project in Scotland category.
The Ceremony, held at the House of Lords, is a celebration of the achievements of organisations that “Shout” about water efficiency, “Solve” water demand management challenges and simply “Save” water. The UK-wide awards recognise organisations who are taking responsibility for use of water to benefit society and the economy, as well as to protect our natural environment.
A unique rustic eco Youth Hostel, Loch Ossian is set high on Rannoch Moor in Highland Perthshire. It offers a true sense of wilderness and can be reached on foot from Corrour Station, Britain’s remotest train station – famed for its appearance in the film “Trainspotting”.
The Hostel operates some of the most up to date environmental science including wind and solar power, grey water and dry toilet systems. It utilises and maintains its own private water supply, powered by renewable wind energy which is harvested on site. The hostel also operates a particle and ultraviolet light filtration system which ensures that the water is safe and of a high quality for consumption.
The Youth Hostel also has additional eco features such as its windows being made of re-cycled glass, use of natural fibre insulation and, for the hostel’s most elusive visitors, there is special bat-friendly paint.
Jan Robinson is the Hostel Manager at Loch Ossian Hostel said “An important part of my job is to encourage our visitors to have experience how things can be done differently. Having sighted a wide range of wildlife this year, including Osprey and Otters, we are happy that the current systems and management of the Youth Hostel uphold our commitment to the environment and sustainable tourism.”
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel is part of SYHA Hostelling Scotland, an 81 year old charity which provides accommodation for the education, health and wellbeing of people in Scotland and beyond.
