YouthLink Scotland Backs Outdoor Residential Bill to Boost Young People’s Development

YouthLink Scotland, the national agency for youth work, has reaffirmed its strong support for the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill, currently hearing evidence through Stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament, as a boost to young people’s development.

YouthLink Scotland represents a broad network of youth work organisations across local authority and voluntary youth work. It believes that outdoor residential experiences should be an essential, mandatory element of the Scottish curriculum.

The organisation agrees with a more inclusive approach to outdoor education, ensuring that all young people, regardless of background, have access to outdoor residential education experiences. Youth workers play a key role in supporting young people throughout the residential experience, before, during, and after—ensuring continuity and tailored support, particularly for minoritised and underrepresented groups. The Bill recognises the vital contribution of youth work in delivering high-quality outdoor education.

YouthLink Scotland’s support for the Bill reflects its mission to empower young people and promote equitable access to enriching outdoor experiences. The Bill reinforces the essential role of youth work as a core part of Scotland’s educational landscape, benefiting young people, their communities, and the wider society.

Read our YouthLink Scotland full statement in support of the Bill and our original sector-led statement in response to the Bill.