A DUNOON man who helped save Ardroy Outdoor Education Centre from closure has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to securing its future.
George Bruce was presented with the first-ever Ardroy Ambassador Award at a recent ceremony in Dunoon, recognising 15 years of work which has helped ensure thousands of young people continue to benefit from outdoor education experiences at the Lochgoilhead centre.
Mr Bruce stepped in to help save Ardroy in 2011, when Fife Council decided to close the facility as part of budget savings.
Then aged 71, he brought together a group of people from a range of backgrounds to establish a charitable trust capable of taking over the running of the centre.
The trust initially leased Ardroy before going on to purchase the property from the council, securing its long-term future as an outdoor education facility.
Mr Bruce spent seven years working voluntarily as the centre’s on-site manager and chief executive before continuing his involvement for a further eight years as a trustee.
Under his leadership, and with the support of trustees and staff, the number of young people attending outdoor education breaks at Ardroy increased from around 2,000 to 3,000 each year.
The centre was also placed on a more sustainable financial footing and expanded its work with a wide range of groups, including young people with additional support needs.
More than 30,000 young people have attended outdoor education breaks at Ardroy since the centre reopened in late 2011.
James Fraser, chair of Ardroy Outdoor Education Centre, said Mr Bruce had played a pivotal role in securing the centre’s survival.
He said: “George has played a pivotal role in saving Ardroy for thousands of children and young people to benefit from memorable and life-changing experiences in the National Park.
“It is therefore fitting that we recognise his 15 years of dedicated service in his former roles as the first chief executive of the charity and as a trustee.
“Without George’s dogged determination and drive, Ardroy would have closed permanently and been converted into private housing.
“Thankfully, this didn’t happen and Ardroy transitioned successfully to deliver a range of outdoor youth educational programmes under George’s leadership and guidance.”
Mr Bruce said the campaign to save Ardroy had initially faced significant challenges but received widespread public support.
He said: “Saving Ardroy was an uphill struggle at the start, but we were fortunate in having the backing of thousands of people who signed the Save Ardroy petition, which we presented to local, regional and national politicians.
“I was also fortunate in having the support of my wife, Isla, and an enthusiastic and talented group of staff and trustees who worked hard to place Ardroy on a sound financial footing to do what Ardroy has an enviable reputation for, and that is the delivery of high-quality outdoor courses for youngsters in their formative years.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think that 15 years on from the rescue that Ardroy would still be going strong and over 30,000 young people would have benefited from participating in outdoor educational breaks in the stunning landscapes of the National Park and Argyll.”
The award recognises Mr Bruce’s contribution to securing the future of Ardroy and helping establish the centre as a sustainable charitable organisation delivering outdoor education programmes for young people from across Scotland.
