THERE were balloons and lots of cake, plenty of happy faces and a smattering of VIP guests but most of all, there were memories.

The young people and grown-ups celebrating 50 years of Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre recently all had plenty of funny, moving stories to tell.

Thanks to Blairvadach, more than 150,000 young people have been given access to opportunities that would otherwise not have been available to them.

(Image: Blairvadach)

Peter Richardson, former depute, said: “I started 33 years ago, and it has changed and evolved but it is still Glasgow’s centre, for Glasgow’s kids, and they still get an awful lot out of it.”

Compere Dougie Vipond’s experience of outdoor education had a huge impact on him, the Deacon Blue star and TV presenter revealed at the anniversary celebrations.

(Image: Blairvadach)

“It gave me a sense of teamwork, of landscape, adventure, fun – danger,” he said. “All the really good stuff.

“Before, I thought the really cool guys were the ones smoking outside Mitchell’s shop but after going to the outdoor education centre, suddenly the cool guys were the ones doing the abseiling….it changed my life.”

Glasgow City Council’s executive director of education Douglas Hutchison said: “These are things that form memories, that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. They are experiencing things they just can’t get in the classroom.”

(Image: Blairvadach)

Duty instructor Aileen Smith said: “Every week we get to meet different young people, and we guide them through the challenges they face, and we see them as new people at the end of the week. I love my job.”

Head of centre Neil Wightwick said: “Blairvadach was set up initially as a sailing centre and over the years it has evolved to become more of a general outdoor education centre, with the emphasis on education.

“The huge impact of a Blairvadach residential is evident to instructors and teachers alike, as young people find new levels of confidence and ability during their time here.

“Often, teachers are amazed by what they see – pupils who under-achieve in the classroom come here and triumphantly achieve more than anyone expected, especially themselves.”

He added, smiling: “So here’s to the next 50 years of Blairvadach.”

(Image: Blairvadach)

Blairvadach, on the shores of the Gairloch, just north of Rhu, was built on the site of a World War Two prisoner of war camp.

(Image: Blairvadach)

It was officially opened in 1974 as a sailing centre and it now delivers a vast range of activities to young people, including those who are care-experienced or who struggle to engage with school.

It is also the largest provider of Duke of Edinburgh Awards in Scotland.

The centre provides summer courses for residents and access to its facilities for local youth groups – this summer, it welcomed 60 young sailors taking part in a week-long programme.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Councillor Jacqueline McLaren, and education convener Christina Cannon joined pupils from some of Glasgow’s primary schools and past leaders from the centre at the event.

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For Councillor Cannon, it brought back many happy memories.

She said: “Outdoor learning has the power to transform the lives of our young people. We are committed to supporting outdoor learning as education is much more than academic achievement.

“It is about developing the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – and takes learning beyond the classroom.”

She added: “The hands-on approach at Blairvadach promotes curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking and most importantly, it is fun.

“I have so many happy memories of my school trip and it is brilliant to be back to celebrate with everyone.”