Petition call to save outdoor centres

Perth and Kinross residents and politicians are being encouraged to support a petition set up to save outdoor centres.

The rallying call was made by Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith who fears residential outdoor centres may close without extra finance backing.

The Conservative politician also argues that experiences at the centres have been a“feature of Scottish education for 80 years”and that they are highly valued by teachers.

In August, the Scottish Government issued advice to local authorities that school residential trips should not take place.

This decision will not be reviewed until December, but MSP Smith feels it will be“too late”for schools and youth organisations to be able to plan for residential trips before August 2021.

Commenting, Liz Smith said:“It is feared that many residential outdoor centres will close as there will be no support or finance package in place.

“The SNP Government is being urged to reverse their decision not to offer financial support to the residential outdoor sector in Scotland.

“There is extensive evidence from educational research that it is these outdoor experiences that enrich the lives of the young people the most – providing them with a broader knowledge and appreciation of environments and communities other than those with which they are most familiar.

“They also help build confidence, self-esteem and are great for mental health and engaging pupils.

“In particular, these longer activities teach pupils leadership skills, the need for responsible behaviour and how to deal with new challenges and risk factors.”

The petition can be found at www.change.org/p/ scottish-government-save-scottish-outdoor

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