Rattray Head

For anyone who wants to get off the beaten track of Scotland and get a real sense of the land and its people, Rattray Head is an absolute must. Located literally a stone's throw from a pristine stretch of beach, the ocean, and an incredible lighthouse, this hostel used to be the accommodation of the lighthouse keepers before the lighthouse became automated.

Now that the keeper's residence has been slightly converted and modified, it makes for an amazing hostel. Quiet and removed, this hostel is ideal for escaping the business of a big city and enjoying some beach time with friends or by oneself. The hostel is reached via Route A90 near Crimond, by following signs for Rattray and then continuing on dirt roads, over two cattle grates that seem to be leading to nowhere but do indeed wind their to the hostel and beach (three miles from the turn-off Route A90).

When we arrived, Rob and Val, the owners, were still putting the finishing touches on the building, having opened operations only in the last four months, so a description of the building's condition will have to wait until the renovations are completely finished. With a strong environmental conscience, they have a wood-burning boiler to heat the hostel, which is 90% efficient, highly effective (the water in the shower and sink can get very hot!), and has a low impact on the atmosphere. Motion sensor lights in the hallways encourage saving energy and containers near the refuse bin promote recycling.

The hostel is very clean and will most certainly be even brighter and cheerier when Rob and Val finish all the painting inside and outside of the building. Smoking is not permitted in the building. Each bedroom contains four beds (two bunk-beds) and feels slightly cramped with four people. The large sitting area and kitchen combination as well as the vast expanses of open fields and beach more than make up for the size of the sleeping areas. The sitting area has a couch, several chairs, a TV, and a small shelf of books, with large windows looking out on the surrounding area.

The kitchen is well equipped and if anything seems to be lacking, Rob and Val, who live next door, are happy to provide whatever is needed (like a strainer for steaming spinach and a splash of olive oil, for example). A small breakfast is provided for the first morning of the stay at the hostel. Internet, laundry, and pay phone services will be available when the hostel renovations are complete.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
August 2006