Youth hostel as good as it gets, according to VisitScotland

Islesburgh House Hostel has received an overall score of 93 per cent in its latest quality inspection report from VisitScotland.

Five stars are awarded for a rating of 87 per cent or higher and the hostel has held a five-star rating since 2002.

The report praises the hostel’s “spotless housekeeping” and the bathrooms received a 100 per cent score after recent improvements to the shower rooms.

The report states: “All the shower units have been refitted with wet wall cladding, removing the cubicles giving a greater sense of space and comfort. All are in pristine condition.”

The hospitality, service, cleanliness, bathrooms, public areas and dining room were all judged to be of an overall exceptional (five star) standard while the bedrooms and kitchen maintained their “excellent” rating.

The creation of a quiet reading area on the upstairs landing was highlighted as a popular addition to the public spaces of the hostel. There is a writing desk, lamp and a selection of books to borrow and this complements the television lounge and games room available on the ground floor.

Islesburgh manager Dale Smith said: “We are delighted with the results of this latest inspection. Our rating has gone from 91 per cent in 2010 to 93 per cent this year.

“We are almost at optimum now – without physically altering the building it’s difficult to see where further improvements will come from. Of course, we’ll keep trying.”

The VisitScotland report could only offer a few small suggestions for further improvements, including the provision of blackout blinds for the summer months, but stated that: “It is great to see the ongoing work in this already secure award.”