Oban Youth Hostel is set to reopen for summer following completion of a major £1.2 million refurbishment.

The SYHA Hostelling Scotland project has incorporated internal modernisation and eco-friendly features, while retaining the original building’s historic charm.

Essential repairs and modernisation were necessary to ensure the hostel survives and continues to provide a key asset to Oban’s hugely important tourism economy.

The reopening of the town’s flagship Youth Hostel is expected to prove a further boost to local tourism after Oban was voted into the UK’s top 25 destinations in the TripAdvisor’s 2011 Travellers Choice Destination Award.

Situated on the town’s stunning waterfront, a stone’s throw from the centre and the ferry port, Oban Youth Hostel now benefits from modern facilities and refreshed décor throughout.

The Youth Hostel is also greener, with a heat recovery system and improved insulation.

The Youth Hostel’s magnificent wooden staircase, which has been closed off from view for many years, has been restored to its former glory and become open plan.

The stained glass windows which adorn the staircase have been removed, restored and then replaced in a protected double glazed frame.

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Two new rooms have been created, now offering a total of ten en-suites at an affordable cost, to meet the needs of the modern traveller and attract a wider audience of visitors to the town.

Further accommodation is available at the four star Oban Lodge, which provides premier private en-suites, kitchen and lounge facilities and panoramic views.

The renovated Youth Hostel also boasts a new reception, media room and self-catering kitchen, as well as new furnishings and fittings.

As part of SYHA Hostelling Scotland’s expansion of its catering offer, there is a new dining area and café offering an increased choice of food and drink on sale to guests and members of the public.

In addition, there has been necessary renewal of the mechanical and electrical systems along with major roof and fabric.repairs.

The project’s completion has also seen the Odin Naval Memorial returned to the hostel, with World War II artefacts of the submarine’s history, including the roll call and photographs of the original crew.

Keith Legge, CEO of SYHA Hostelling Scotland, said: “We are fortunate to have a Youth Hostel based in a beautiful Victorian building in a truly stunning location. With the privilege of owning such a unique and special place, comes the responsibility to maintain and preserve it.

“We are delighted to announce this important renovation project has now been completed, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who supported our fundraising appeal for the project.

“Oban Youth Hostel offers budget accommodation to the wealth of travellers taking in Scotland’s breathtaking West Coast, as well as providing a valuable addition to the town’s landscape and tourism business.

“We are pleased to unveil the stunning results of the renovated hostel, which we hope will prove a vibrant, and sustainable, beacon of tourism in Oban for generations to come.”

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.

(GK)