MSPs of all parties are being urged to back a “transformative” member’s bill that will ensure every school pupil in Scotland reaps the benefits of outdoor education.
Scottish Conservative MSP Liz Smith will lead the debate on stage one of the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) Bill at Holyrood tomorrow (Thursday).
If her proposals – which have already attracted support from Labour, SNP and Liberal Democrat MSPs – become law, every pupil in Scotland will be guaranteed at least five days’ outdoor residential education before they leave school.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Liz Smith said: “I’m thrilled that this bill is coming before MSPs because it could prove transformative for young people.
“Every school pupil in Scotland should be able to enjoy the well-documented benefits of a week’s outdoor residential education – not just those whose parents can afford to pay for it.
“Outdoor education programmes boost children’s mental health, equip them with life skills and teach them the value of teamwork.
“That’s vital, given Scottish education faces significant post-Covid challenges, including pupil attendance, behaviour and discipline.
“MSPs from across parliament have already given their support to the bill, and I’d urge others to join them. This is not party political in any way – it’s simply about offering a positive life experience to every pupil in Scotland.”