Callander Hostel, will provide Callander Youth Project Trust with a regular income stream to reduce its dependency on grant funding

Social enterprise Callander Youth Project Trust (CYPT) has opened a new youth hostel and hub to enable it to expand its activities with young people.

Callander Hostel will provide the trust with a regular income stream to reduce its dependency on grant funding.

The trust was established in 1997 and delivers a wide range of activities for young people in the local area such as youth clubs, holiday programmes, art, health and sport initiatives. CYPT also runs a dedicated employability programme for young people who have left school.

It took on the old Bridgend House Hotel in the centre of Callander in February 2012 and thanks to investment from Inspiring Scotland, Social Investment Scotland and Forth Valley and Lomond Leader it has since transformed it into a modern youth hostel with extensive facilities.

The hostel includes a new café-style club room with a coffee bar and recreational activities, rentable events space that has been used for wedding receptions and CPD sessions as well as the hostel accommodation, all of which will generate revenue.

Becoming more financially self-sufficient means we can continue to support young people in the area for the long term

The hostel also has hospitality training opportunities for young people as well as space to continue CYPT’s existing programmes including skills workshops and support for young entrepreneurs keen to establish their own businesses.

Chris Martin, managing director of Callander Youth Project Trust, said the hostel, which has been awarded five stars by Visit Scotland, marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for the young people of Callander and for us as an organisation.

“Becoming more financially self-sufficient means we can continue to support young people in the area for the long term,” he said.

“All of the young people who have come through our training have broadened their skills and gone on to positive destinations in employment and education. That’s a reflection on our team’s commitment to supporting our young people in our community, but also reinforces that all of our young people can go on to excel if they are given the right opportunities.”

A gala opening, attended by young people who have benefitted from CYPT’s programmes along with community representatives, was held earlier this month.

Alastair Davis, chief executive of Social Investment Scotland who funded the refurbishment, said: “Callander Hostel is a prime example of how a business can be set up in such a way as to generate income but also to make a significant social impact on the community in which it works.

"Over the years CYPT has made a huge difference to the opportunities of young people in the area, helping to develop local talent and encourage entrepreneurship, and we look forward to watching the trust develop through this new facility.”