Following the announcement at General Questions today, Scottish Government Minister Clare Haughey MSP confirmed that £2 million will be released by the Scottish Government to the outdoor education sector. Liz Smith MSP warmly welcomes the move, having previously called for this in the Scottish Parliament Chamber following a letter by Martin Davidson and Nick Marsh (on behalf of #SaveYourOutdoorCentres Campaign, Association Heads of Outdoor Education Centres, and Youthlink Scotland Outdoor Learning Group) on 20 December 2021 addressed to every MSP, pleading for urgent financial support for the sector.
Commenting, Liz said:
“l very much welcome this further package of support for our outdoor centres. It is something the Scottish Conservatives have been calling for for some months on account of the continuing difficulties which centres have been facing as a result of Covid.
Bookings have been severely impacted in recent times which means some centres are facing insolvency and that comes on top of some closures last year. We simply cannot afford to lose this crucial part of the educational experience and, just as importantly, the expertise of the staff who work in our centres.
The needs of young people, whether social or emotional have increased as a result of Covid and we must do everything possible to secure the future of outdoor education.”
