Scottish Youth Hostels Association
Our final item of business today is a members' business debate on motion S1M-1829, in the name of Kenny MacAskill, on the 70th anniversary of the Scottish Youth Hostels Association.
Motion debated,
That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish Youth Hostels Association (SYHA) on its 70th anniversary; notes the contribution made by the Association to attracting visitors both to Scotland from abroad and to the Scottish countryside from within; notes also the opportunity provided by the Association to visit many of the more remote but beautiful parts of our land; welcomes the development by the Association of educational tours which facilitate and enhance the opportunity for youngsters in Scotland to partake in the benefits and pleasures of the countryside; recognises the current difficulties being experienced by the SYHA as a result of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, and urges organisations and individuals in Scotland to show their support in this time of difficulty.
On behalf of Scottish Youth Hostels Association, I thank all the members who have put their names to the motion.
The SYHA was formed 70 years ago this month, a year after its sister organisation in England and Wales. It followed in the footpath of schemes initially trailed in Germany and other north European nations. It started modestly, with a hostel in Broadmeadows, near Selkirk, but has gone from strength to strength.
Today, there are about 70 youth hostels the length and breadth of Scotland. Those hostels vary in their focus and facilities. They go from the most modest bothy to the grandest castle and from the city centres of Edinburgh and Glasgow to the remotest parts of mainland and island Scotland. They not only serve hillwalkers and backpackers, but can accommodate families and even weddings. The age span of people who visit and utilise the facilities and services is not restricted by the nomenclature of the organisation, but extends from babes in arms to the elderly.
The association benefits not only individuals, but organisations, especially those geared towards the young and the disadvantaged. That is entirely within the ethos of the founders. After all, the initial intention was to facilitate youngsters getting out and about within their native land. Even today, 24 per cent of overnight stays are by school and youth groups. In the past year, more than 70 schools have used the service.
The SYHA was founded as, and remains, an egalitarian organisation, in which ties were dispensed with, lounge suits removed and the merchant banker and the street sweeper donned a common uniform.
Diversity has flourished as the SYHA has mirrored Scotland in becoming more cosmopolitan. The spectrum of guests utilising the facilities has expanded. The pot pourri remains of young and old, rich and poor, active and more sedentary. A growing influence has been visitors from elsewhere within Britain and beyond. The proportion of visitors who came from Scotland used to be 70 per cent; now, 70 per cent come from outwith Scotland and half are international visitors.
We should remember that the association provides a service to local communities; it gives employment and brings in badly needed revenue, often in remote areas. The professional staff of more than 450 employees is added to through part-time and seasonal employment, which provides much-needed jobs in areas where opportunities are few and far between. The hostels are fundamental to the rural economy in many areas.
In places such as Tobermory, the association provides 7,000 bed occupancies a year. According to statistics, those who use hostel accommodation spend an average of £35 to £37 a day. That is a significant input into a fragile and often marginal economy. In some areas, the railway station exists simply because of the hostel; the absence of a hostel would certainly lead to the station's closure. It is not overstating the case to say that communities in some parts of rural Scotland survive simply because of the hostel and that, if the hostel were gone, the community's raison d'être would go, too.
What is the situation on the association's 70th anniversary? The past weekend would have seen the anniversary commemorated by a walk from Innerleithen to Broadmeadows, where the first hostel was founded. However, the foot-and-mouth epidemic has led to the cancellation of what should have been a moment of celebration.
The epidemic has placed the organisation—like many others—in severe financial difficulties. Although the Easter weekend was good for the organisation and others, it masked a barren month: the figures for April were 30 per cent down on last year. Some hostels opened late and others are still restricted. I do not like to make special pleading for any particular organisation in this time of crisis, as the crisis affects so many, but there are good reasons for targeting the SYHA and specific measures can be taken.
Before I outline those measures and ask the minister to comment on them, I will quote from a former Secretary of State for Scotland—arguably the greatest secretary of state we have had—Tom Johnston, who said:
"Without this organised provision of hotels for hikers, great stretches of our country would remain inaccessible to multitudes of the rising generation in our large industrial towns … The Scottish Youth Hostels Association makes a great contribution to good citizenship. It trains for and encourages good wayfaring upon the highway and good conduct upon the hillside. It provides facilities for good health and exercise, and, in some of the most important and formative years in life, it encourages reverence for the beauties and the glories of the Scottish scene."
First, local authorities could take some steps. The City of Edinburgh Council, Aberdeen Council and Highland Council do not provide full rates relief for their hostels. The association is a not-for-profit organisation. The urban areas cross-subsidise the rural areas and, as I said, in rural areas there is a cross-subsidy from the hostel to the community. I call on those councils to extend rates relief.
Secondly, although the organisation is cash-strapped, the first cuts will be in maintenance and development. That might make sound financial sense in the short term, but it will restrict growth in the long term. Specific matters need to be addressed that would not only ensure the existence and enhancement of current establishments, but add to the range and variety of the existing portfolio of properties. Cash grants, not loans, are needed, because loans are simply expenditure deferred. Although resources are restricted, I ask the minister to consider meeting financial requests from the available funds to add value not only to the SYHA, but to communities in Scotland in general.
Thirdly, as many local authorities require to cut provision for outdoor education, perhaps now is the time for the Executive to assist in marrying the SYHA's existing fine facilities with the needs of the children in the communities of Scotland. That approach was noted by Tom Johnston back in 1944; it is as apt now as it was then. If we fail to take such an approach, we jeopardise those facilities and we neglect our children.
Finally, although I appreciate that the matter is outwith the control of the minister and the Parliament, it would be remiss of me not to mention VAT. Other nations give a reduced rate either to tourism in general or to youth hostels in particular, and a reduction in VAT would stimulate demand. Moreover, there can be no suggestion that any reduction would simply be creamed off, as every penny is recycled.
Let me once again congratulate the SYHA on its anniversary. As Tom Johnston and others have commented, it has added to the tapestry of Scotland and enriched and enlivened the lives of millions. It deserves all our thanks for its contribution to the communities and the citizenship of our country. Although the association is in difficulties, I do not wish to end on a sad or sour note.
My message is not simply for the Executive or for any other Administration; it is for us all in Scotland. Few individuals in Scotland have not utilised or benefited from the organisation's facilities. It is up to us to remember how much we gained, to consider how much current and future generations could also benefit and to ensure that we do not just applaud, but take practical steps to give support. If we do that, it will not simply be a matter of paying tribute today. In years to come, future generations will pay tribute, in another building and at another time, at the organisation's centenary and bicentenary.
I congratulate Kenny MacAskill on securing this debate and the Scottish Youth Hostels Association on its 70th anniversary. I believe that the motion received cross-party support, so I am astonished by the absence of Liberal Democrat MSPs—especially as many of the hostels are in their constituencies—and, with the exception of the minister, Labour members. No other members' business debate has not received cross-party support, so today's attendance is extremely disappointing. We all know that a general election has been announced, but this Parliament comes first.
The association, along with many other tourist organisations, is facing difficulties as a result of the foot-and-mouth epidemic. In Mid Scotland and Fife—the area that I represent—the hostels at Glendevon, Glendoll, Killin and Rowardennan were unable to open as usual at the beginning of March. Those at Crianlarich, Perth, Stirling and Pitlochry have all experienced a decline in occupancy; in the cases of Crianlarich and Perth, that has been in excess of 75 per cent. I understand that precise figures for April are not yet available, although the indications are that overnight stays are 30 per cent down on last year. According to the briefing that we received, the association faces a deficit of more than £1 million following a reduction in its 2001 revenue of at least 20 per cent.
Hostels in rural areas have been worst hit. Around a dozen of the 60 hostels still remain closed on precautionary grounds. That not only is a problem for the association, but will result in £4.5 million less being spent this year in remoter areas of Scotland, with a consequent impact on the local economy.
I applaud the proactive stance that the SYHA has taken and I support the initiatives that it proposes to address a serious situation. I call on the Scottish Executive, the Scottish tourist boards, councils, local enterprise companies and individuals to offer every support and assistance within their powers to help the association—which is such an asset to Scotland—to overcome its difficulties. I support the motion.
I congratulate Kenny MacAskill on securing this debate. It is extremely sad that the 70th anniversary of the SYHA has coincided with the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Scotland—an outbreak that has had devastating consequences for the whole rural economy, especially the tourism sector and agriculture. The effects of the outbreak are graphically described in the SYHA briefing, which the minister will have seen. The association faces a deficit of more than £1 million, through a reduction in its revenue this year of at least 20 per cent—a loss of 120,000 overnight stays. Like any responsible organisation, it is now looking to the future and considering how the bad news can be replaced by good news and how it can meet the challenges.
The SYHA has put forward a challenging proposal that is based on the simple premise that all young people should have access to the countryside. The organisation has traditionally provided that first taste of the countryside for young people. Those of us who are somewhat long in the tooth—including me—may find it hard to remember what it was like to visit somewhere else for the first time. However, we should consider children in poorer areas of our cities who know nothing but the surroundings in which they have been born and raised and for whom a visit to somewhere such as Loch Morlich, in Aviemore, must seem like a visit to another world.
That is why I back the idea that all children should be able to enjoy such an experience. I believe that that is the SYHA's central idea—I hope that I have not misinterpreted the association. Bill Forsyth of the SYHA said that, in Germany, every schoolchild is guaranteed a residential hostel experience as a key element of their general outdoor and environmental education. In Scotland, much depends on individual schools and staff and on the availability of funding. Our system seems to be far from satisfactory; I am sure that Allan Wilson will agree with that and will wish to find a way to resolve the situation if that is possible. The solution will not be found without some resource cost. Despite the fact that no other members of the coalition parties are present to listen to the minister's message, Scotland will listen if he says that he is prepared at least to consider devoting additional resources to ensure that disadvantaged kids are no longer disadvantaged.
I will make one more point in closing—unless I can have five or six more minutes, which I would be delighted to fill, Presiding Officer. The SYHA briefing refers to the Scottish Tourist Board proposal to introduce a new grading scheme of one to five stars. The scheme would affect the SYHA and the independent hostels, representatives of which I met on 27 April. David Dean OBE of Independent Backpackers and Hostels Scotland and Gavin Hogg of Highland Hostels are gravely concerned that, instead of spending resources on the SYHA initiative to bring young people to the countryside, the Scottish Tourist Board will spend goodness knows how much money on introducing a new bureaucratic grading scheme for hostels. The mood of the meeting that I attended was that that idea should be set aside and that there should be a full engagement with the independent associations, which are led by Mr Dean and Mr Hogg, so that a scheme can be arrived at that would guarantee basic standards of comfort and cleanliness and the availability of the facilities that one expects to find in hostels. The feeling was that the bureaucratic scheme should not be implemented. The issue is a matter of grave concern to the independent sector, which operates many hostels in my constituency and throughout Scotland. I hope that the minister will touch on that issue when he closes the debate.
I congratulate Kenny MacAskill on bringing this important debate to the chamber.
Although the estimated total economic value of youth hostels to the Scottish economy is some £20 million a year, that is not the most important benefit they bring to Scotland. It is highly significant that around 70 per cent of youth hostel visitors are from outwith Scotland. Many of those young travellers would not be able to see Scotland in reasonable comfort were it not for youth hostels. Let us not forget that they will fall in love with Scotland's scenery and history and will return in later years—it is to be hoped with fatter wallets—to the benefit of Scotland's tourism industry. They are also important flag carriers who spread the word about the excellence of Scotland as a holiday destination.
Scottish youth hostels fulfil a significant function by accommodating schools and youth groups. It is important that children from urban backgrounds get the chance to sample the Scottish Highlands and are made aware of the alternative rural existence. It is equally important for children from rural areas to be able to stay in city hostels such as those in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
SYHA bookings in the year up to February 2001 were higher than they have ever been in a comparable period and advance bookings for the season ahead were also higher—but then came the foot-and-mouth disease crisis. Hostels in Armadale and Uig are still closed, as are the ones in Durness, in the far north, and in Helmsdale. Kyleakin hostel, one of the most popular hostels on Skye, saw a fall in its March trade of 32 per cent and Broadford hostel's trade is down by 25 per cent. Popular hostels such as that at Inverary in Argyll reflect the same picture.
The SYHA is a not-for-profit organisation. Any available surpluses are ploughed back, so the unforeseen losses, which may amount to £1 million, will be a great drain on resources and very difficult to claw back. The professional permanent staff of 225 need to be paid, and training and customer care, quality management and safety need to continue.
Some 1.5 per cent of the SYHA's income goes on training programmes. Capital improvements and new investment are constantly needed, such as improvements at the new hostel in Inverness—which cost £2 million—and the extension to the hostel in Oban, which cost £350,000. Investment in hostels is in place only because of their popularity and because they provide a service to people from around the world. It is vital that they continue to function, improve and expand. A further 250 seasonal staff would, under normal circumstances, be employed, but much of the benefit to rural areas that that would bring will probably be lost this year.
Two weeks ago, the SYHA hosted an international tourism conference at Carbisdale Castle in Sutherland, at which 25 countries were represented. That demonstrates the part the organisation plays in promoting Scotland's tourism.
In the aftermath of foot-and-mouth disease, when, I hope, help is given to those who have suffered the worst losses, the SYHA should be placed high on the Scottish Executive's list of priorities. Other bodies that are promoting tourism in Scotland should provide marketing help by promoting a joint project in the form of a partnership with visitscotland. It should reach out to backpackers, other outdoor enthusiasts and educational bodies to bring people back to the youth hostels and to encourage the concept of hostelling in the future. The SYHA is the original green tourism organisation and it deserves our universal support.
I am pleased to congratulate Kenny MacAskill on securing the debate and I join colleagues in congratulating the Scottish Youth Hostels Association on its 70th anniversary.
The SYHA is an important player in Scottish tourism. Over the 70 years of its existence, the association has provided affordable accommodation and facilities throughout Scotland. The value of that to Scotland and to visitors from many nations in both social opportunity and intercultural exchange is difficult to overestimate.
Many young people from around the world gain their first experience of Scotland through a youth-hostelling holiday. For many, that is an experience that leads to many more visits here in the future. Although they might not always stay at SYHA hostels, the Scotland experience will have been instilled in them. As Jamie McGrigor said, it is Scottish tourism that ultimately benefits from their experience.
Last year, more than 540,000 bed nights were spent in SYHA hostels. The association estimates the value of that to the Scottish economy at about £23 million. That makes the association a major player in Scottish tourism.
One of the reasons for the SYHA's success is that—something like the party I represent—it has moved with the times while remaining true to its original ideals. Different standards of comfort are sought now. When the association started, only a basic level of accommodation was required; today, many hostellers are looking for rather more comfort, perhaps including central heating, showers, smaller rooms and the provision of meals. The association caters for them, particularly at its hostels in the cities and in the main tourist centres.
The association plays a major part in helping to achieve our aim of spreading the benefits of tourism throughout Scotland. As Kenny MacAskill said, SYHA hostels can be found throughout the country. There is an SYHA hostel in Ayr, for example, and there are two in Arran, in my constituency. The first hostel was opened in the Borders countryside and is still popular today. There is also an SYHA hostel as far north as John o' Groats.
I am sure that if Alasdair Morrison was here rather than in his sick bed, he would point out that his constituency, the Western Isles, provides an excellent example. There, the SYHA has worked closely with the Garenin Trust to restore traditional black houses for use as hostels. I can think of no better way to introduce visitors to the unique social history and heritage of the islands.
SYHA hostels can be found on many other Scottish islands, including Mull, Islay, the Shetland Islands and Orkney. As Kenny MacAskill said, visitors provide valuable income to local communities and hostels serve as an introduction to our diverse and wonderful culture.
The enterprise network and visitscotland fully support the SYHA. Hostels feature strongly in visitscotland advertising, particularly overseas. The SYHA is an enthusiastic member of the visitscotland quality grading scheme and visitscotland is discussing the proposals with the independent hostel sector. The scheme is not mandatory, but I understand that the SYHA enthusiastically supports it.
Visitors look to hostels to provide a quality product and the association does that. It is worth noting that the association is the largest corporate member of the green business tourism scheme, to which Jamie McGrigor referred. That scheme helps businesses to reduce their impact on the environment against a range of energy, waste and water criteria. Fifty-eight SYHA hostels have been presented for, and achieved, awards.
As its name implies, the Scottish Youth Hostels Association has always encouraged young people to visit its hostels. School parties and youth groups from overseas, as well as from the UK, are regular visitors. I join with those who have supported the motion in congratulating the association on developing educational tours and encouraging young people to appreciate the Scottish countryside. A few hours ago, I received the association's proposal for improving its record in that area. Wisely, Kenny MacAskill stopped well short of endorsing that proposal. The initial assessment suggests that it would not be appropriate for us to support it, not just because of the provisional sum of £8 million that is attached to it, which is about a third more than the association's annual turnover, but because there are a wide range of commercial, local authority and voluntary sector providers in the outdoor education market. The objection applies also to the VAT argument. It is difficult to see the justification for funding one provider rather than another. Authorities and schools must be free to choose where they want to go for a residential experience in the outdoor sector.
We subscribe to the idea that schools should be free to determine which hostel—whether an SYHA hostel or one in the independent sector—provides it with accommodation, but the point is whether the Executive will consider making any additional commitment to achieve the aim, which I described, of allowing more children to visit the countryside and stay in a hostel. In particular, I refer to children who, because of geography or local factors, are excluded from such an experience at present.
I share that worthwhile aim. Many authorities encourage schools to provide some form of outdoor activity, but decisions on whether to do so and on the nature of any trips are properly a matter for the schools concerned. I do not think that Fergus Ewing expects me to comment on the detail of a proposal that we received only a few hours ago, particularly given the resource implications that I mentioned, but I undertake to examine it seriously and respond in detail in due course.
The motion correctly draws attention to the difficulties that the association is experiencing as a result of the foot-and-mouth outbreak. I share Fergus Ewing's sentiments on this matter. The association has been particularly badly hit as most of its hostels are in country areas. In the immediate aftermath of the start of the outbreak, local authorities adopted an extremely precautionary approach to access, but we have moved on. Much of Scotland is designated a provisionally disease-free area, where the risk of transmission of the disease is much lower. Because of that lower risk, livestock movement restrictions in the area have been eased, to the significant benefit of farmers and crofters.
The restrictions on access in the provisionally disease-free area should be seen in the same light and there should be a greater presumption in favour of public access. I regret the fact that some landowners, farmers and crofters remain very precautionary in their approach. To be frank, it is unacceptable that some refuse to co-operate with local authorities in removing unofficial signs that say that the countryside is closed. The persistence of such signs undermines the formal risk assessment that was put in place to protect farmers.
While I agree with the minister that Scotland should be promoted as being open for business, it would have helped if the Scottish Executive or its rural affairs department had sent letters to farmers and landowners to tell them that it is now safe for them to remove their signs. Initially, the only letters that farmers and landowners received told them that they could put up signs on their own land at their own expense, if they so wished. They have received nothing in writing to tell them that it is safe to remove them.
The Executive has made a succession of statements asking farmers to do just that. Not for the first time, I ask individuals to consider the wider economic effect, not only in their own area but throughout Scotland. They should remove those unofficial signs now.
I understand that the SYHA is not waiting for others to come to its assistance and that it is preparing a marketing and recovery plan, which it will discuss with visitscotland. It is also to introduce free student membership for 2001, which will encourage more young people to go hostelling, not only this year but in future.
The SYHA has served the interests of Scotland's tourism industry well over the past 70 years. I am sure that it will continue to do so over the next 70 years and beyond. I join all my colleagues in the chamber in wishing the association well in future.
Meeting closed at 17:36.