New boss succeeds Keith Legge

Margo Paterson appointed as chief executive of SYHA Hostelling Scotland

The charity’s board of trustees gave her the nod following the recent retirement of Keith Legge.

Paterson, who has a background in finance, has been a key part of the SYHA management team for the last 16 years, heading up support services before taking over the role of deputy chief executive in 2007.

I’m very proud of the exceptional service, local knowledge and warm welcome we offer those with an adventurous spirit wishing to experience the real Scotland

Margo Paterson

She said: ‘I’m fortunate to have played an integral part in the transformation of the organisation in recent years and I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to take this forward.

“We will continue to listen to our members and guests and modernise our network to meet expectations by offering good quality, low cost, flexible accommodation in some of the finest locations Scotland has to offer.

“People are at the heart of our organisation and I’m very proud of the exceptional service, local knowledge and warm welcome we offer those with an adventurous spirit wishing to experience the real Scotland.”

Paterson has also been a director of the Cairngorm Business Partnership since 2013, which operates within the Cairngorms National Park as the Chamber of Commerce representing member businesses.
Welcoming Margo to her new role, chairman of SYHA Hostelling Scotland, David Calder, said: "We’re delighted to have appointed Margo. She not only brings years of experience to the role, but her passion and enthusiasm for SYHA is widely recognised throughout the organisation. This is an exciting time for SYHA and we wish her well in her new role.”

SYHA Hostelling Scotland is a self-funding charitable organisation with 34 hostels located throughout Scotland, accommodating 400,000 guests every year, with a turnover of £8 million and an estimated contribution to the Scottish visitor economy of £25m.