A YOUTH Hostel Restaurant at Scotland’s most remote mainland railway station is proving to be one of the country’s most desirable new ‘daycations’ this summer.
Corrour Station House Restaurant and Rooms, one of the newest additions to the SYHA Hostelling Scotland network, is enjoying increased popularity among day trippers under new management and with its own unique menu.
Situated in the breathtaking surroundings of Corrour Estate, hungry walkers can choose from the Youth Hostel’s own Scottish eco-fish dish – mackerel in oatmeal – and a selection of hearty meals.
Sweet toothed Scots also love the Fruit Crumble, which changes daily to make use of fresh, in season fruits.
And the selection of real ales is a hit with thirsty travellers returning from a day out in the hills, which offer a range of walks for all levels of ability.
Managers, Hal Jacob and James Muldoon, head a dynamic team of six, who have all come together to create new ideas for the menu.
The former art conservators were thrilled to land the joint role managing Corrour Station House, which may be familiar to some as the setting for a scene in iconic Scots film Trainspotting.
The secluded location is only accessible by train, and the absence of traffic or worries about parking only adds to the uniquely relaxing atmosphere.
Keen walkers, the co-managers are relishing the opportunity to make the most of the stunning situation with its array of wildlife, and enjoy meeting daycationers, staycations and far flung travellers from all walks of life.
James Muldoon said: “We are seeing an increasing number of families, couples and groups of friends coming from Fort William, Glasgow and across Scotland for the day.
“It’s a great place to enjoy a day in the hills followed by a hearty meal and maybe a couple of drinks before getting the train home.
“We love working here because of course it is a beautiful location, and it feels very isolated, yet we get to meet lots of different characters.
“There will also be people staying at nearby Loch Ossian Youth Hostel or even walkers who are camping in the hills who come down to the restaurant to treat themselves to a hot meal. It’s like a warming little sanctuary in the wilderness.
“We are lucky as well to have a fantastic team here – they are all creative and full of ideas, so we all got stuck in to creating the menu.”
The mackerel dish in particular was inspired by Marine Conservation student Neil Baxter, who was keen to ensure only sustainable fish featured on the menu.
The idea was welcomed by SYHA Hostelling Scotland, which has a strong ethos of respect for the environment and conservation.
The team chose delicious MSC certified mackerel as the ideal eco-alternative to classic cod, and then came up with the idea of adding oatmeal instead of batter for a healthier – and quintessentially Scottish – twist
James added: “It’s proving really popular – it’s one of those meals that if you smell it, you want it!”.
There are also special Corrour versions of hearty Scottish favourites, including Corrour Venison and Oban Ale pie, Cullen Skink and the ubiquitous Haggis Neeps ‘n’ Tatties.
The very reasonable prices – main meals start from only £8.50 – also add to the appeal.
The restaurant is open for breakfast from 8.30am-10am, lunch 11.30am – 2.30pm and dinner 5-8pm.
To book a table or accommodation call 01397 732 236 or email corrour@syha.org.uk
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, but especially young people.
Visit www.hostellingscotland.com for more information about the Hostel Network.
Book on line or call the Reservations Team on 0845 293 73 73.
ENDS
Note to Editors:
SYHA Hostelling Scotland currently has a network of 71 hostels throughout Scotland, including 25 affiliate hostels.
The charity’s Youth Hostels serve most of the country’s most desirable destinations, from key urban locations to breathtaking rural areas, including some of Scotland’s most remote, and enticing, beauty spots.
An important provider of accommodation services within the Scottish Youth Tourism Sectors, SYHA Hostels provide a unique base and services for the wealth of activities and events that take in the best of Scotland.
These can include outdoor pursuits, festival going, environmental education, culture and heritage, wildlife watching, school trips, weddings and conferences.
The charity listens to members’ and customer’s feedback and in response to the evolving market, now provides many more single, twin and family rooms with en-suite facilities, in addition to the traditional dormitory style accommodation.
With more than 23,000 registered members, of which over 6,000 are life members, SYHA Hostelling Scotland is the largest participant in the hostel market.
Affordable travel is part of the founding ethos of SYHA, and this stands today, with an average nightly cost of only £16 for dormitory accommodation or £20 per person in a private room.
Attracting more than 500,000 overnight guests each year – of which about 40 per cent are from out with Scotland – the organisation accounts for a valued contribution of over £20 million to the Scottish economy per annum.
Recent figures suggest hostelling is proving popular for the ‘staycation’ market. In 2010, 33 per cent of overnight guests were Scottish, 27 per cent British and Irish, 29 per cent European and 11 per cent other international visitors.
The 80 year-old organisation is in continuous need of funding to help sustain this unique network of special sites and experiences throughout Scotland.
SYHA Hostelling Scotland is a member of the worldwide community of Hostelling International,which covers more than 90 Youth Hostel Associations around the world and offers members and guests amazing experiences in over 4,000 Youth Hostels in more than 80 countries.
SYHA Hostelling Scotland is part of the VisitScotland Hostel Quality Assurance Scheme and the largest participant in the Green Tourism Business Scheme in Scotland.
The charity’s new website is designed to be user friendly, attractive and an inspiration to make the most of Scotland. To discover how we have improved it visit: www.hostellingscotland.com.
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