Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Alternative to Kilbowie centre is on the cards
Education chiefs are working flat out to ensure no children will lose out on outdoor education as a result of the closure of Kilbowie.
And council leader Jim Logue has said he’s “very confident” there will be other options available to pupils elsewhere in Scotland.
The Advertiser contacted Councillor Logue to highlight the online petition against the closure of Kilbowie had gained more than 10,000 supporters, and to flag up concerns from parents that P7 children could be deprived of a hugely important experience in their development and education.
“I understand why parents are angry, as it’s a one-in-a-lifetime visit to Kilbowie, and the pupils thoroughly enjoyed these trips,” said Councillor Logue.
“But we are faced with catastrophic cuts. This decision is financially driven, we are upfront about that.
“It’s an issue because of the ongoing financial situation, which was not helped by the budget last week.
“No provision has been made with the block grant from central government for inflation or the uplift in council staff wages.”
Kilbowie outdoor centre is to shut next year after North Lanarkshire councillors narrowly voted for its closure at a tense meeting last month.
Councillor Logue’s Labour group’s motion to close the facility in Oban – which provides residential outdoor education experiences for P7 pupils – was passed by just one vote.
There has been talk of building an alternative facility at Strathclyde Park, however parents are worried that pupils could miss out on outdoor trips while waiting on any developments.
The council leader responded: “There are discussions ongoing at present with head teachers and senior education staff about all potential options. There are a number of providers throughout Scotland that can facilitate outdoor education.
“There are only three or four authorities in the country that own their facilities. We inhereted Kilbowie after it was transferred to North Lanarkshire Council in 1995.”
Asked if he would give a firm assurance that children won’t lose out on outdoor education trips, the council leader said: “Assurances can be given that there are ongoing discussions with head teachers and we are looking at all options. These discussions are progressing.
“I’m very confident that after these talks, in conjunction with school committees and head teachers, there will be an overview of facilities available to us that other authorities currently use.” to go and will now fall through a gap because nothing will be resolved in time.
“The fact that more than 10,000 people have signed the petition speaks volumes. People are disgusted at this shameful move by the council.”
A council spokeswoman said: “When the decision was made to close Kilbowie outdoor centre, it was agreed that this would be a phased process and in the full knowledge that the council is committed to continuing to provide our pupils with quality outdoor education opportunities. We are currently in the process of making arrangements to plan this process, to ensure that all children will continue to be offered a great educational experience in an outdoor environment.”