Urras Osdailean Nan Innse Gall Gatliff - The Gatliff Hebridean Hostels Trust (GHHT) is a not for profit voluntary organisation with charitable status working with islanders to establish and maintain a chain of Crofters' Hostels to sound basic standards throughout the Outer Hebrides. The trust was specifically set up to run the Hebridean activities of The Gatliff Trust founded by Herbert Gatliff.
Herbert Gatliff set up the Trust that bears his name in 1961 to perpetuate his interest in the youth hostels and outdoor movement. He donated to a range of organisations, but took particular interest in the Outer Hebrides, and oversaw the investigation of potential hostel sites and local warders to look after then. Following his death in 1977, his appointed Trustees carried on his work, eventually founding the GHHT in 1988.
Anyone can become a member of the trust by becoming an ‘Hebridean Hosteller’ and paying a subscription fee annually.
The principle activity of the Trust is to help all, especially young persons of limited means, to a greater knowledge and respect for the islands within the western coastal waters and sea of Scotland. This is achieved by providing or assisting local people to provide accommodation.
The Trust is currently involved in the operation of four youth hostels situated at Berneray (Isle of North Uist, opened 1977 ), Garenin (Isle of Lewis, opened 1991), Howmore (Isle of South Uist, opened 1966) and Rhenigidale (Isle of Harris, opened 1962). The records of two hostels that closed down are also included, Claddach Baleshare (Isle of North Uist, open from 1982-1993) and Scarp (island off the west coast of Harris, open from 1966-1970)
The Crofters' Hostels are independent of the Scottish Youth Hostels Association (SYHA), but have adopted status.
Information taken from www.gatliff.org.uk