THE former mansion house home of a herring baron on Shetland has been named the best hostel in the world, beating more than 4,000 backpackers’ favourites in 91 countries. Last year, Isleburgh House in Lerwick was voted the best in Europe in a poll conducted by Hostelling International, an influential backpackers’ website. And it was pipped to the post for the world title by the Ban Dinso in Bangkok, Thailand, a boutique hostel with only nine rooms.

But the five-star Shetland hostel has now received the ultimate accolade in hostelling at a prestigious awards ceremony in Vienna, coming top on scores for friendliness of its staff, efficiency of service, cleanliness, security and location. A spokesman for Hostelling International said: “HI customers love its location with close proximity to local amenities, the beautiful grand mansion house with fabulous views, and commented particularly on the friendly and efficient staff.”

THE former mansion house home of a herring baron on Shetland has been named the best hostel in the world for the second year in succession. Islesburgh House in Lerwick was voted the best in the world for the first time last December in a poll conducted by Hostelling International, an influential backpackers’ website, beating more than 4,000 backpackers’ favourites in 91 countries. But the five-star Shetland hostel has now retained the accolade, coming top on scores for friendliness of its staff, efficiency of service, cleanliness, security and location. The winning score achieved by Islesburgh House Hostel was an overall customer satisfaction rating of 97 per cent for 2012.

Dale Smith, the hostel’s team leader, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we have won this award again and I emphasise the word ‘we’ as it wouldn’t have happened without the support of the great team of people who work with me and consistently deliver the highest standards of service. This is a great Christmas present for all of us and sets us up to start the New Year on a high.” Islesburgh House was built for Andrew Smith, a wealthy Shetland herring merchant. The hostel has 64 beds and accommodation in the beautifully restored building ranges from two-person rooms with en suite facilities to a 12-person dormitory.