One of the quietest hostels in the Scottish Youth Hostel Association’s ownership has experienced a spike in visitors following the naming of Galloway Forest Park as the UK’s first Dark Sky Park.

Newton Stewart (formerly Minigaff) hostel has been referred to by SYHA Hostelling Scotland as one of Scotland’s “most forgotten hostels”. But since the nearby forest park received Dark Sky recognition, tides look to be turning.

The naming of Galloway Forest Park as a Dark Sky Park last year made it the first place in the UK where skies are safeguarded from light pollution for the enjoyment of all. Hostel manager Derrick Clisham has since seen an upturn in bookings and also notes that the hostel is attracting many more families.

He said: “This part of Southern Scotland is one of the really unspoiled areas of the country. It is like a forgotten kingdom – people leave their busy lives and come here and it is like they have entered another world. Visitors often come here for one night en route elsewhere and end up staying for three or four nights because there is so much to enjoy.

“The Dark Sky award is wonderful because it recognises the value of ‘untouched’ nature. Astronomy enthusiasts will undoubtedly be in for a treat, but everyone can be moved by the dark sky experience.

“For families, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy quality time together, strolling in the woods, spotting the different constellations, letting children’s imaginations run wild.”

The hostel, in a converted traditional Victorian school house, is located near the picturesque town of Newton Stewart in the Scottish Borders. It has 30 beds and is available for rental through the RentaHostel sheme during the low season (October to the end of March) for £240 per night. From April the hostel is open to the public with accommodation starting at £15.25 per bed.

SYHA Hostelling Scotland is currently exploring options to work with Edinburgh Royal Observatory and Dark Sky Scotland to create dedicated star-gazing holidays.

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