RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR CENTRES
The City of Edinburgh Council is proud to offer two remarkable residential centres each based in national park locations, Benmore and Lagganlia are established and well regarded Outdoor Learning Institutes. Renowned across Scotland for delivering quality, custom designed and outcome-based outdoor learning opportunities. We provide children and young people with a powerful and profound experience, equipping them with lifelong learning skills and memories.
Our privilege locations in areas of outstanding natural beauty are just one of the elements that set us apart; our ethos and standards are what makes experience outdoors unique.
We are a not for profit Local Authority organisation and reinvest all proceeds into the sustainability and development of outdoor learning
Our west coast outdoor centre, Benmore, based near Dunoon, Argyll is a listed 19th-century property, visually exciting in its Harry Potter style appearance, situated on the beautiful grounds of Benmore Botanic Gardens. The house has been modernised inside to provide traditional, yet comfortable accommodation sleeps up to 127 participants. Accommodation ranges from twin-bedded rooms with en-suite facilities to dorm style rooms sleeping six to ten in bunks with group shower and changing. There is plenty of communal space with classrooms, library and a common room and playrooms to complement the accommodation. Our well-equipped stores have all the specialised equipment required for your stay and drying rooms are available to rotate your kit.
Benmore boasts a hidden gem, 4 miles along a rural approach road you will find Bernice Farm House and Cottage, recently renovated, Bernice’s remoteness is part of its charm, situated at the foot of Benmore and alongside the stream, overlooking Loch Eck and the hills beyond. We recommend this picturesque accommodation for groups that want to do it for themselves, an off-grid authentic self-catered experience for six to 24 individuals.
Our northern outdoor centre, Lagganlia, is near Aviemore, Cairngorms. Situated in tranquil Glen Feshie forest, by the river Feshie. The campus consisting of the main house An Tigh Mor, comfortable modern rooms names after local area and landmarks, sleeping up to 58 with single bed teacher rooms and a selection of dorm style rooms sleeping four to six in bunks, all with ensuite shower rooms.
There are five lodges of varying sized and configuration, of cabin construction are comfortable with all mod cons, our lodges can sleep from 6 – 18 in single, twin and bunk-style rooms. Each lodge has it’s own living and communal spaces giving a homely Highland feel. There is plenty of communal space with classrooms, a library, and a coffee bar to complement the accommodation. Our fully equipped stores have all specialised equipment required for your stay and drying rooms are available to rotate your kit.
SOME HISTORY
Many years ago the place we know as Benmore was called “Innasraugh” which means 'the sheltered valley'. At this time, entrance to Benmore was at Uig near Eckford house, where the ford is still usable. Benmore house built in 1801 has a long and eventful history.
In 1924 the estate was gifted for science and education, with most of the forest land assigned to the Forestry Commission. The gardens were handed over to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in 1929.
Benmore house was then used as a training facility for Forestry Commission apprentices until 1965 when Edinburgh Corporation acquired it as an outdoor education centre for Edinburgh schools.
The Duke of Edinburgh opened Lagganlia Centre on 30th June 1970. The land and original buildings were gifted to the citizens of Edinburgh by the philanthropist George Boyd Anderson as part of his wish to give all the young people of the Edinburgh an opportunity to ski. A vision which included the building of Hillend Dry Ski Slope on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
View our adventure education courses