AN OUTDOOR education centre near Helensburgh that provides fun adventures and learning opportunities to youngsters celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special event earlier this month.

Blairvadach, between Rhu and Shandon on the shore of the Gare Loch, toasted half a century of rich history by welcoming a host of politicians, school representatives and past leaders on September 5.

(Image: Blairvadach)The facility, run by Glasgow City Council, opened in 1974 and has introduced more than 150,000 young people to the great outdoors on courses varying from single to seven-day residential experiences. 

Dignitaries marked the milestone with the lord provost of Glasgow and more than 100 guests enjoying a day of looking back, led by Dougie Vipond.

(Image: Blairvadach) Having opened predominantly as a sailing centre 50 years ago, Blairvadach has adapted to take advantage of its location, allowing a variety of activities to be delivered across all seasons.

Over the 50 years, the outdoor centre has evolved to become much bigger than the building.

(Image: Blairvadach) In 2015, Blairvadach opened a city centre urban outdoor site which has gone from strength to strength, delivering land and water-based outdoor education to young people who may not get the opportunity to go on a residential, or as a stepping stone to a residential.

In 2021, Blairvadach began delivering therapeutic outdoor education to care-experienced young people who struggle to engage with school.

(Image: Blairvadach) (Image: Blairvadach) More recently, the service has taken on responsibility for Glasgow’s Duke of Edinburgh Award provision, the largest provider in Scotland, allowing the service to reach more young people than ever before.

In addition to its service to Glasgow City Council, the outdoor centre provides summer courses for local residents and access to its facilities for local youth groups.

(Image: Blairvadach) This summer, 60 young sailors joined a week-long sailing programme and the centre collaborates with the Royal Navy Sailing Association to promote sailing as a healthy family activity.

Neil Wightwick, head of the centre, said: "Blairvadach strikes the perfect balance between taking pupils out of their comfort zones, away from their school and home environments, whilst providing a nurturing and supportive setting for them to experience real adventures and new challenges.

"Blairvadach prides itself on being a true education centre, with personal and social development, learning for sustainability and Curriculum for Excellence outcomes integral to every area of delivery."

(Image: Blairvadach) Two years ago, the Advertiser reported that staff at the centre were facing constant uncertainty, with the facility continuously under threat of closure, as it is often identified as a potential budget saving for the local authority.

Mr Wightwick added: "By supporting outdoor education services and facilities like Blairvadach, Glasgow City Council has been leading the way for inclusion and wider achievement, at a time in history where the importance of adventurous outdoor education is being discussed more than ever before.

"The council’s support for Blairvadach over the past 50 years has given more than 150,000 young people access to opportunities for wider achievement that would otherwise not be available to them due to poverty levels and many other factors.

"This support is in no small part due to the huge impact reported by teachers and pupils, making outdoor education experiences extremely valuable."