Charity Aims To Open Lagganlia Centre To More

Submitted by edg on Thu, 8 Mar '12 11.20pm

A new charity supporting the work of the Council-owned Lagganlia Centre for Outdoor Learning was launched earlier today at Edinburgh City Chambers.

‘Friends of Lagganlia’ will raise funds to help with the running and promotion of the outward bound facility, which is set in the spectacular scenery of Glen Feshie in the Cairngorms National Park.

As part of his vision to give the young people of Edinburgh a chance to ski, philanthropist George Boyd Anderson gifted the Lagganlia centre to the citizens of Edinburgh.

Since it first opened in 1970, Lagganlia has been popular with children and adults alike, offering residential courses, school trips, and family adventures in the heart of the highlands.

The Centre offers self-catering accommodation in forest lodges providing relative comfort with showers, cooking facilities, and bunks (council staff get a 10% discount on accommodation).

The Friends of Lagganlia is aimed at enabling people from disadvantaged backgrounds to attend courses and get the most out of the outdoor facilities available. It will also promote environmental education and sustainability.

“We are very lucky to have Lagganlia. It is a wonderful resource," said Stuart Armstrong, Chairman of the new charity.

“Friends of Lagganlia has been created because we want to help make sure that the Centre is accessible to all and that more people get the chance to enjoy the activities available.”

Education Convener, Councillor Marilyne MacLaren, said the facility also offers a way for schools to deliver many aspects of the Curriculum for Excellence: “The great educational benefits provided by the centre should be recognised and it is vital that we continue to support Lagganlia to ensure its success for generations to come."

“I also feel very strongly that opportunities such as those on offer at Lagganlia are open to all, regardless of their economic circumstances. For that reason, I especially welcome the commitment by Friends of Lagganlia and the Council to help more people from disadvantaged backgrounds to visit the Centre and take full advantage of what is on offer.”

More on the Lagganlia Centre

Map of Lagganlia Centre

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