Liz Smith has expressed delight after her landmark Schools Residential Outdoor Education (Scotland) Bill today passed its final Holyrood hurdle and will become law.
The member’s bill, which guarantees every pupil in Scotland access to a week of residential outdoor education, was voted through by a majority of MSPs after a stage three parliamentary debate.
The Scottish Conservative MSP believes the legislation will be “transformational” for the development of young people.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife Liz Smith said: “I am absolutely delighted that the bill has passed and that all young Scots will now have access to a week of residential outdoor education at school.
“I’ve always believed that this legislation would be transformational for our young people, which is why I invested so much time and effort to get it on the statute book.
“I’m extremely grateful to MSPs from across the political divide who listened to the overwhelming evidence of the benefits offered to pupils by these programmes.
“Residential trips teach self-reliance, teamwork and leadership skills and offer the chance to engage with nature.
“Too many young people, especially those from deprived backgrounds, have missed out on those opportunities.
“Now that this bill is set to become law, every pupil will be able to enjoy an outdoor education experience which will boost their physical and mental wellbeing.”