Outdoor learning is an important aspect of Scotland’s curriculum. It can play a vital role in supporting children’s wellbeing and attainment.
Recognising the value of outdoor learning, the SNP Scottish Government provided £2 million of funding to mitigate the financial challenges facing the residential outdoor education sector as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
The package will include funding to help centres provide safe, impactful outdoor learning experiences to support young people’s education and wellbeing through this challenging period.
I have raised my serious concern about the decision of the West Lothian Leisure Trust to discontinue residential outdoor learning out of the Low Port Centre, and West Lothian Council to close the Low Port Centre in Linlithgow. I believe that this is so short sighted and denies life experiences to young people.
I wrote to the Education Secretary raising my concerns and urged the Scottish Parliament’s Education Committee to look into this loss across the country. I will continue to raise my serious concerns about outdoor learning with the Government and the Council.
Fiona Hyslop