A number of Scotland’s Governing Bodies of Sport have written to the Scottish Government in order to help Save Scotland’s Outdoor Education and Residential Centres.
The letter has been cosigned by Mountaineering Scotland , Ramblers Scotland, Scottish Cycling, Mountain Biking in Scotland, Royal Yachting Association Scotland, Orienteering Scotland , Scottish Canoe Association, Snowsport Scotland, Scottish Fencing and Scottish Archery and Scottish Curling.
In their letter they highlight that through residential centres 105,000 young people are given the chance to try sailing, canoeing, snowsports, cycling, mountain biking, climbing, kayaking and hillwalking every year. The workforce based in these 36 centres are specialists, and it takes considerable time, commitment and expense to train them to deliver these activities safely.
Evidence also shows that residential trips help young people to build confidence and resilience, they support positive mental health and wellbeing and can help with the attainment gap, all of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic.
In the letter Stuart Younie, CEO of Mountaineering Scotland, said: “This year as we have emerged from lockdown we have seen an increase in interest in outdoor recreation, a trend which is likely to continue. More than ever we need opportunities for future generations to learn to how to enjoy, appreciate and behave responsibly in the outdoors. Adventure tourism is also an important part of the Scottish economy, and these centres play a critical role in providing employment opportunities in some of the most rural parts of Scotland."
The support of the Scottish Government at this time would enable outdoor education specialists to continue essential work which supports coaches and leaders to get people active outdoors. It is not just a fun experience; it is vital to the education and development of children and young people. Research has shown that it can have a huge impact on mental health and wellbeing and will be increasingly vital as we move out of lockdown.
A petition was launched on the 8th of September now has more than 21,000 signatures. The #SaveYourOutdoorCentres campaign is urging all people in Scotland who have benefitted from a residential experience over the years, as well as teachers, youth workers, support networks for young people with additional needs, and any parents and young participants who have recently benefited from a residential outdoor learning experience, or who were looking forward to their turn, to write to their MSPs and the Government and demand they #saveyouroutdoorcentres.
