Summer to remember on Arran

Over the course of the last quarter, the Arran Outdoor Education Centre had a very busy and impactful summer period welcoming guests of all ages.

In the month of June alone, the team – who are part of the council’s Community Learning and Development team – have welcomed 335 people to stay at North Ayrshire’s purpose-built outdoor education centre and guests have been able to take part in a host of action-packed adventures including:

• Delivery of Paddle UKs Paddle start award
• Snorkeling sessions within Lamlash bay No take zone
• Expedition campsite on the centre grounds for Duke of Edinburgh and other groups
• Hillwalking, nature walks, cycling and mountain biking
• Abseiling, orienteering and outdoor survival skills
• Boat trips, kayaking, paddle boarding, gorge walking, exploring caves
• Residential accommodation and hot meals in award-winning facilities
• Learning sessions on mental resilience, wellbeing, biodiversity and conservation

See our photo collage of highlights from the summer months…

Martin Wood, Team Leader of Arran Outdoor Education Centre shared: “It has been fantastic welcoming North Ayrshire pupils from Glebe, Stanley, Dalry, Winton and St Peter’s Primary schools alongside secondary pupils from Greenwood Academy, Garnock Campus and Largs Academy who all thoroughly enjoyed residential trips and expeditions with us.

“For primary 7’s the experiences we have provided, have begun a great start for the courageous young people as they make the often-daunting transition from primary to secondary school.

“Secondary pupils – who are often working on their Duke of Edinburgh Awards as part of their time with us – were also able to join us on the run-up to summer on residential trips packed with outdoor learning opportunities.

“The unique outdoor learning that we can provide is a brilliant example of how we are championing the Council’s Wellbeing Priority to provide children and young people with learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom to improve attainment and boost wellbeing.”

Geared towards building resilience Arran Outdoor Education Centre’s programme and unique location in Lamlash allow for young learners to experience the rich flora, fauna and biodiversity of the Isle of Arran.

Martin explains: “We are proud to be part on outdoor learning centre that offers the ultimate environment to awaken young people to the impacts of climate change, get up close to nature on land and at sea and confront them to think about meaningful actions they can take to become more resilient citizens and prevent nature loss and reduce their carbon footprint.

“Ultimately through our outdoor learning experiences without phones or tablets, we can provide an energising reset to the young people and adults who visit us.

“Supporting them every step of the way, we are working alongside our guests to build confidence and boost wellbeing via quality time spent learning outdoors where they can be courageous, set goals and making meaningful and lifelong connections on the island that we love.”

This summer, the team were able to welcoming camping trips too and guests from beyond North Ayrshire including pupils from Marr College and Lochaber High School, young people from Glasgow-based youth charity The GK Experience and local volunteers and young members from Prestwick Scouts and Ayrshire Young Careers.

Martin adds: “Thank you to everyone who gave their residentials their all and made this summer one to remember!”

LAST-MINUTE BOOKINGS AUTUMN/WINTER 2025

Arran Outdoor Education Centre is able to provide last-minute booking availability between now and early December.

Therefore if you want to plan a residential course, why not book up now? The courses can be centred around the following themes:

• Activity/Health and Wellbeing courses 
• Leadership or Teambuilding courses
• Integrated supported study and activity courses
• Geography and/or biology field study courses

The Arran Outdoor Education Centre team also run national governing body awards during these courses such as Paddle UKs Paddle Start,  The National Outdoor Learning Discover Award and Cycling Scotland’s Go Mountain Bike Award.

Courses can be delivered through the week or weekends and can be split over half week’s for larger groups (over 45 participants)

With a combination of through the week and weekend slots, email: arranoutdoor@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or call 01770 600 532.

The subsidised costs for North Ayrshire schools are as follows:

• 4 day, 3 night week course – £194 per Pupil and £98 per accompanying staff
• 3 day, 2 night weekend/half week course – £128 per pupil and £64 per accompanying staff

Martin adds: “Sometimes when people think about residential trips, they imagine hopping on the boat over in the popular spring and summer months BUT the autumn winter trips have benefits too, this is why we are calling on our schools or community group if you are keen to get out on a trip before the end of 2025.

“We can guarantee that you’ll all have fun and an educational experience to remember! The centre has all the equipment and protective outerwear to keep you sheltered when the blustery Scottish weather strikes AND the longer nights and shorter days make for amazing outdoor learning opportunities in the evening too including nocturnal walks and hikes, stargazing and detecting  animals like owls and bats!

“So why not encourage your young people to step out of their comfort zone and enjoy making lasting memories with us away from home this autumn/winter period?”