Gordonstoun has partnered with a new charity to support the reopening of a mountain adventure centre in the Cairngorms.
Rothiemurchus Lodge, near Aviemore, was first established in 1948 as a base for outdoor activities for Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force personnel and their families.
Last year, when the MOD decided that it was no longer viable for them to maintain and operate the Lodge, the long-term future of the facility was put in doubt.
Gordonstoun will now be involved in the day-to-day running of the building in partnership with a new charity, and with the support of the Rothiemurchus estate.
The new ‘Gordonstoun Adventure Campus’ will be used by the school’s students as a base for outdoor and adventure learning activities within their co-curriculum.
The long-term aim is to attract more users all year round. For the first time, the outdoor facility will also be open to schools and other groups across Scotland who are looking to access the outdoors. Recent legislation has been introduced giving pupils in state and grant-aided schools the opportunity to experience at least five days of residential outdoor education.
The building has room to sleep 102 people over three accommodation buildings.
The centre will continue to be open for use for the regular military, veterans and their families and Cadets. The site, equipped with both dormitories and en-suite rooms, is close to the Cairngorm Mountain ski centre as well as water sports facilities at Loch Morlich and Loch Insh.
Gordonstoun Principal Peter Green said:
“Our founder Kurt Hahn first stayed on the estate with the first students at Gordonstoun soon after the school opened in 1934. His ethos was to better equip our young children to cope with modern life by focusing on fitness training and outdoor expeditions.
“Gordonstoun is the birthplace of The Duke of Edinburgh Award, so when the opportunity arose to become involved in the long-term operation of Rothiemurchus Lodge it aligned wholeheartedly with our vision and values.
“Along with our new partners, we are looking forward to developing Gordonstoun Adventure Campus as the go-to destination for other schools looking for a unique outdoor experience, while securing the centre’s long-term future for the benefit of young people across Scotland.
“The value of outdoor and adventure learning is as relevant today as it was when our school was founded in 1934. We have recently revamped our timetable at Gordonstoun to give our students more time to take part in adventure activities and hope that through our new Adventure Campus other schools will be able to expand their offering too. This ‘Back to the Future’ approach will provide students with even more opportunities to challenge themselves and develop valuable life-skills.”
Rothiemurchus Lodge was first established as an Adventurous Training Facility in 1948 by Lt Col J.P. Grant of Rothiemurchus MBE following its use as a military training base throughout WW2. The vision was to create an outdoor recreational base for troops to rest and recover. Over the years the facility has also been used by the Scout Association, Girl Guide Association and other youth organisations.
Gordonstoun is working with a new charity called ‘Rothiemurchus Lodge’ – a partnership between the school and members of the previous Lodge Committee – to operate the adventure centre. It is located on the Rothiemurchus Estate, who are leasing the land and building to the new charity.
Chris Smith, on behalf of the Trustees for the Rothiemurchus Lodge Charity, said:
“Although the MoD has severed its formal relationship with the Lodge, we recognised the ongoing demand and enjoyment derived from this amazing facility in this extremely special location.
“We are delighted by the partnership and hope that it will bring lifelong memories, formative experiences, and leadership and teamwork skills to a whole new generation of young people, whilst continuing to serve those who have been loyal followers over many years.”
James Grant, from the Rothiemurchus Estate Maintenance Trust, said:
“We are very pleased that the Lodge is to have a new life that will enable a wider range of people to benefit from its unique location. We thank the Army for its long occupation and for all the friends it has brought to Rothiemurchus.
“Dr. Kurt Hahn, who founded Gordonstoun School, stayed at The Doune of Rothiemurchus with his first group of pupils in the 1930s.
“We are pleased the connection is being renewed and are grateful for the Trustees of Rothiemurchus Charity and Gordonstoun for putting time and effort into delivering an exciting new phase for Rothiemurchus Lodge.”
Categories: Gordonstoun School News
