History of Helmsdale Lodge Hostel
Helmsdale Lodge Hostel was built in 1931, as the village school gymnasium. From 1962 to 2005, it was owned by the Scottish Youth Hostels Association and ran as a basic hostel up until they announced its closure and sale in 2005.
In 2006, the hostel was purchased by Irene Drummond, who commenced a sympathetic approach to renovation in efforts not only retain a hostel in the village, but to maintain as much character of the former school gymnasium as possible. In 2006, following an extensive programme of works, the hostel was awarded 4 star Visit Scotland Quality Assurance Grading – a further extensive renovation was carried out in 2018. The hostel provides quality and affordable accommodation for visitors travelling the far north coast of Scotland.
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Your hosts
Marie [manager]
Marie, an MA Graduate from the University of Glasgow, started out her career as a medical scientist and later trained as a psychotherapist - using her skills within health and social work to develop a professional community counselling service, which she remains involved with. In 2018, Marie [a former colleague of Irene, who owns the hostel] learned Irene was looking for a fulltime manager. With great deliberation, mixed with a yearning for a new adventure, Marie decided to leave her fulltime Local Authority / NHS post to run the hostel. Since then, Marie has provided a warm welcome to guests – many returning year after year.
Marie also enjoys the great outdoors and has a passion for travelling and meeting people. She is also a keen cook and renowned for producing culinary delights on a basic camping stove on her many sea-kayaking and cycling trips.
Irene [owner]
Irene, an MA Graduate from the University of Durham is from Glasgow. Her professional career is within public sector services. It was Irene’s father who first introduced her to hostelling in Scotland and cycle touring. As a child Irene can still recall defiantly saying to her father ‘if there is another hill I am not moving’ - nonetheless with his encouragement they always made their destination! Irene remains an avid cyclist and has toured extensively through the UK, Europe, USA, Canada and Asia. Next trip on her list is South Korea - any advice from touring cyclist’s welcome! Irene is also interested in bee keeping, bronze casting, woodworking and has completed a fine furniture making course in Maine, USA