The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Outdoor sites for education in £2m boost
Scotland’s residential outdoor education centres are to get a £ 2 million funding package. A national campaign was launched to save centres amid warnings many could face permanent closure without a government rescue deal.
Last week a cross-party group of MSPs called for £3m of emergency funding to keep centres open for the next six months.
Announcing the Scottish Government response to the sector’s plight, Richard Lochhead, minister for further education, higher education and science, said outdoor learning “can play a vital role in supporting children’s wellbeing and attainment and we are fully committed to supporting outdoor education providers”.
He added: “I hope this funding, along with third-sector and youth work funding streams which are already available, alleviates some of the pressures facing the sector during these challenging times and allows them to offer meaningful experiences to young people.”
He said the government will continue to work with local authorities to support the role centres can play while overnight stays are not permitted.
A spokeswoman for the Save Your Outdoor Centres Campaign said the government funding was “positive and encouraging” and should help the centres to survive the challenging few months ahead.
“This highlights that the Scottish Government understands the value of outdoor residential experiences ,” the spokeswoman said.
She added: “It is not the £3m that we had asked for and that we need, but we will continue to work with the Scottish Government to ensure the money reaches the centres that need it most and as quickly as possible.
“We are still waiting to see the details of the fund, but we hope it will ensure providers can cover essential fixed costs, while also working with schools to deliver meaningful outdoor education that meets the social and emotional needs of young people.”
The campaign to save the centres is backed by more than 35 organisations and 23,000 people have signed a support petition.
The closure of the Abernethy Ardgour School of Adventure Leadership near Fort William has already led to nine families having to relocate from the community as jobs have tied housing.