A move that would guarantee all pupils in Scotland access to a week of residential outdoor recreation before they leave school has been warmly welcomed.
The Schools Residential Outdoor Education (Scotland) Bill cleared its final hurdle this week at the Scottish Parliament, a decision that has delighted local constituency MSP Finlay Carson.
He insists it is important that young people get the opportunity to learn and enjoy the great outdoors.
The Galloway and West Dumfries MSP said: “I think it is crucial that young people get the opportunity to learn and enjoy an outdoor setting.
“Coming from a rural area where school pupils get access to the countryside relatively easy, others are not so fortunate at having this on their doorstep.
“That is why I agree wholeheartedly with my Scottish Conservative colleague Liz Smith in promoting this Bill, so that many others get the chance to experience the fun and enjoyment to be had in working and playing in an outdoor setting.”
With many pupils having had their education disrupted by the pandemic, Mr Carson believes this would be a fitting opportunity to do something beneficial to young people.
He explained: “There are so many positive benefits to be gained from this initiative and I think it would be greatly appreciated by the young people themselves if they got to try something completely different to what they are used too.
“It was quite clear during early evidence submitted to Parliament and to various committees that residential outdoor education can have significant and measurable benefits for young people.
“These include improved confidence, resilience, teamwork, behaviour and mental health, areas where we know many pupils, particularly after Covid, continue to struggle.”
Having gained widespread cross-party support for her member’s bill, Ms. Smith insists it would be a “truly game-changing” move to afford young people the chance to escape to the country.
She said: “Outdoor education is one of the most rewarding experiences a young person can have during their school years.
“Residential trips help build confidence, self-reliance, resilience, and leadership skills. They teach the value of friendship, teamwork, and a lifelong connection with nature.
“In an age when there is growing concern about young people’s physical and mental health wellbeing, the benefits of residential outdoor education cannot be overstated.”
The MSP fears that far too many children from deprived areas miss out on these opportunities and this legislation will change that.
