A Highland community has lost nine families due to the closure of its outdoor education centre amid fears other areas could suffer similar losses within weeks.
The Abernethy Trust closed its Ardgour School of Adventure Leadership near Fort William during the pandemic and residential school trips are still banned under coronavirus guidelines.
MSP Rhoda Grant has been told by Ardgour Community Council the closure cost nine jobs, with staff and their families having to relocate from the community as the posts have tied housing.
Mrs Grant has raised concern about the effect on the area’s economy and called on the Scottish Government to provide emergency support.
It comes as a nationwide campaign warns time is running out to save outdoor centres.
More than 35 organisations have backed the campaign and 23,000 people have signed a support petition.
Mrs Grant said: “If anyone needs a clear picture of the immediate impact an outdoor centre closure has on a community they need look no further than Ardgour.
“I am told the families and individuals forced to leave the village included a mix of ages and school-aged children.
“I know the loss of these families across the spectrum will be significant and that’s why I am calling on the government to step in with support.
“The government has a duty to stop this from happening in other areas. It needs to fund the sector to safeguard other centres from closure during the pandemic.”
Kendra Turnbull, from Ardgour Community Council, said the centre also ran an outdoor instructor training programme that brought around 12 adults to the area.
She said: “These examples illustrate the personal stories and wider community effect the closure of outdoor centres will have. Real lives are being affected.”
Campaigners have warned that without emergency funding many centres could close by next year – and some by Christmas – with the loss of around 300 jobs.
Last week a cross-party group of MSPs called for £3 million emergency funding to keep centres open for the next six months.
Martin Davidson from the Outward Bound Trust said: “With the furlough scheme ending in ten days many outdoor centres will close forever, denying future generations the benefits.
“The Scottish Government must provide financial support in a matter of days to prevent this catastrophe.”
Katie Docherty, CEO of Scouts Scotland, said the situation is now “completely critical” and that “without emergency support Scottish centres will begin to close within weeks”.
Outdoor Residential Centres provide amazing educational experiences to more than 105, 000 Scottish children and young people every year – developing confidence, resilience and skills for life,” she said.
“Residentials are evidenced to improve wellbeing, physical and mental health and they help to close the attainment gap.
“They are never more needed but within weeks they will begin to close forever and it is children and young people who will lose out.”
The Scottish Government said outdoor learning is an important aspect of Scotland’s curriculum and it is committed to supporting providers.
A spokesman added MSPs will be updated soon following meetings with the sector to discuss their concerns and request for funding.
“The Scottish Government has taken a number of steps to support the work of outdoor centres during the pandemic,” he said.
“Outdoor centres have been able to apply to broader support funds such as the Third Sector Resilience Fund and the new Youth Work Education Recovery Fund which will provide funding awards of £20,000-£60,000 to partnership bids.”
