Celebrating Fife's outdoor education centre debate

Labour MSP John Park said attending outdoor education centres such as Ardroy in Lochgoilhead were the first step many young people took in gaining life skills and played a "huge part in shaping their lives".

The centre, which closed its doors in July 2011 due to budget pressures, has re-opened after a campaign from the Ardroy Ambassadors group.

Mr Park commended the campaign and said it was "because of the support, dedication and activity" of the campaigners that the centre opened again.

Education Secretary Michael Russell said the debate had been a very constructive and positive one "and so it should be".

Mr Russell, who is also the local MSP for Argyll and Bute, said Ardroy was "a positive story" and he looked forward to visiting the centre later in the summer.