Debate contribution: Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill

Debate contribution by Mr Andrew McMurray on 2 February 2026.

MLA: Mr Andrew McMurray
Party at the time: Alliance Party
Date: 2 February 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5356566

Text

Thank you, Minister. You will be aware that the Assembly legislated for a licensing authority for outdoor activity providers nearly 20 years ago but that that has never been implemented. Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, which provided training for many who look after children and young people in the outdoor environment, has been closed for a year. Do you agree that the benefits of outdoor residential education have been treated as an afterthought and that legislation similar to the Scottish Bill is required to ensure that all children can access such transformative experiences?

92 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Oral question AQO 3026/22-27.

Assessment

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