Pilton Retreat

MYDG runs Pilton Retreat based at Ratho. It’s a youth hostel-style resource that offers fantastic spaces, set within large grounds that are ideal for outdoor education or ‘safe space’ time away for those who need it. Indoor space, with cooking facilities, accommodates 10 people. The venue is available for hire for block bookings for residentials or single days. Its location close to excellent amenities, shops and transport links (M8, M9 and M90 motorways and Edinburgh Airport) make it an convenient choice. For residentials, the whole centre can be booked for a self-catering stay (accommodates 22). For day visits, make use of play activities and the picnic and barbecue area (accommodates 60). The space is also suitable for team development and training days (accommodates 30). 

Please see Pilton Retreat’s dedicated website for more information, photos, floorplans, directions and online booking:

Welcome - Pilton Retreat

Email Lesley Ross at lesley@piltonretreat.org.uk or call 0131 333 1659 (answer machine)

Prices and bookings 2026-2027

  • North West Edinburgh local groups: £200 per night 

  • Other voluntary groups and charities: £250 per night

  • Corporates, schools, private groups: £400 per night


Residential accommodation

  • Fully accessible ground floor accommodation, including toilet and shower with handrails

  • Six bedrooms with a total of 22 beds (5 rooms with bunkbeds, 1 room with 2 single beds)

  • Fantastic, newly installed kitchen facilities

  • All bed linen, duvets, pillows supplied

  • Beds have water resistant mattresses

  • Extra protective sheets can be supplied.

  • Lounge area with sofas/chairs, TV, DVD, CD/cassette/radio, children’s books and toys

  • Dining areas with fold away tables and stackable seats which doubles as a recreation area with pool table and table football

  • Gas central heating and hot water

  • 3 showers, toilets and wash basins

  • Smoke detection, fire alarms, emergency lighting, extinguishers

Outdoor facilities

  • Three quarter acre of grounds, fenced for safety with established trees and shrubs and grassed areas

  • Picnic tables and Gas BBQ

  • Play equipment includes chutes, climbing frames, swings, a flying fox and an enclosed football pitch suitable for younger children

  • We ensure our facilities are ready, appropriate to your needs, and that a familiarisation talk is provided

  • Arrival and departure times will be agreed in advance

  • A staff member is available on an ‘on-call emergency basis’, for any premises related problems which arise and need immediate attention

  • You will have exclusive use have exclusive use of the premises and grounds as we don’t book more than one group at the same time.