Plea to save these centres from impending closure
Scotland’s outdoor centres face crisis as the UK government’s furlough scheme comes to an end.
Over the past few weeks more than 35 different organisations, including EIS, Children’s 1st and Youthlink have come together to support the campaign and more than 23,000 people have signed a petition to Save Scotland’s Outdoor Residential Centres.
However, without emergency funding residential centres are facing a crisis, and some will close within a number of weeks.
Last week MSPs from all parties in Scotland wrote to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister asking that they provide the £3 million emergency funding necessary to keep the outdoor centres open for the next 6 months.
Every year 105,000 young people get the chance to head off on a school camp or residential trip, however these are not allowed under current COVID-19 restrictions.
Currently schools are only able to take part in peripatetic activities delivered on site, or day trips to nearby outdoor centres depending on local authority guidance. However outdoor centres rely on the income from residential trips and it is predicted that without emergency financial support then 50% of Scotland’s residential centres will close by mid 2021.
Closures have already been announced by both Girlguiding Scotland (Nertherurd House), and Abernethy Trust (Ardeonaig and Ardgour), with more to follow and shut down permanently before Christmas.
Martin Davidson, director of the Outward Bound Trust said: “The support from many MSPs from all parties, from over 23,500 petition signatories, and from many in civic society demonstrates how outdoor education centres significant improve and transform the lives of young people.
“With the furlough scheme ending in ten days many outdoor centres will close forever, denying future generations the benefits. The Scottish Government must provide financial support in a matter of days to prevent this catastrophe.”
Katie Docherty, CEO Scouts Scotland added: “Outdoor Residential Centres have been without income since March and the situation is now completely critical. Without emergency support Scottish Centres will begin to close within weeks. Outdoor Residential Centres provide amazing educational experiences to more than 105, 000 Scottish children and young people every year - developing confidence, resilience and skills for life.
“Residentials are evidenced to improve wellbeing, physical and mental health and they help to close the attainment gap. They are never more needed but within weeks they will begin to close forever and it is children and young people who will lose out.”
The groups say young people will lose a key part of their education when the centres close, and the Scottish Government will be unable to fulfil its wish for progressive outdoor learning experiences.
In addition the outdoor residential sector supports thousands of jobs both directly within the sector but also in the rural economies where many centres are based.
