MSP for Caithness, Sutherland & Ross MSP has spoken of an ‘inspiring’ visit to Lochview Training Centre, an outdoor education centre based on a working croft in Lairg.
Lochview is a social enterprise that aims to deliver rural learning, training and career opportunities.
The centre aims to improve awareness, knowledge and access to our rural landscape and promote understanding of the value of rural life for social wellbeing.
The centre teaches courses in areas such as sheep keeping, lambing, fencing and drystone walling, and also hosts regular young crofting and adult skill training programmes.
Maree Todd MSP said:
“I was grateful for the opportunity to catch up with Cara to learn more about the programmes available at Lochview Training Centre.
“Evidence supports outdoor learning as a meaningful educational tool for supporting attainment and personal development, but we also know that being outdoors with animals can do wonders for our mental and social wellbeing.
“Cara recognises the therapeutic value of this and has many inspiring stories of young people who have overcome adversity and flourished following training at the centre.
“It was fantastic to hear of Cara’s involvement with local schools too where she has worked with young people to help them work towards an SQA qualification in rural skills & crofting, supported them in developing rural skills and assisted them in seeking employment.
“Cara has created an inclusive environment at Lochview where there are options for everyone, both vocational and non-vocational.
“I would recommend anyone interested in rural skills to get in touch with Cara to hear more about the programmes offered.”
