Arran's outdoor education centre looks set for a reprieve by North Ayrshire Council.
Depute leader Shaun Macaulay addressed the issue at a meeting of the full council amid budget cut concerns.
Arran Tory councillor Timothy Billings asked Councillor Macaulay what steps the council was taking to ensure that this “world-class facility” was able to continue its “transformative work which positively impacts every pupil’s attitude, self-esteem, confidence, resilience, teamwork, ambition, determination, work ethic, achievement, mental health, independence and emotional behaviour”.
Cllr Macaulay said: “North Ayrshire Council will vote and pass a budget on March 1. Councillors receive details about a range of different options for the coming year. This has always remained confidential to avoid upset and alarms to communities.
“Unfortunately, this was leaked to the press, causing real upset and concern.
“To address extensive concerns raised by many across North Ayrshire and Scotland, I can confirm North Ayrshire will not propose Arran outdoor centre as part of any budget decisions this year.
“The centre is undoubtedly a real asset for Arran and for the wider North Ayrshire community.
"We remain instead committed to working to provide a long-term sustainable future for the centre and I hope this addresses Councillor Billings’ concerns and the concerns that have been raised by his constituents and constituents throughout North Ayrshire.”
He added after the meeting: “There is a challenge because the cost implications are big for the council, however, you are committed to exploring every avenue to make it sustainable. We want to celebrate that and make sure it has a long term future.
“On March 1, we will have to support a budget with it off the table. We have listened to a whole lot of people including the parent council and the parents and on Arran."
Councillor Billings said: “I would like to thank councillor Macaulay for his frank and very positive response and I look forward to working with all the council members on finding a sustainable model for the Arran outdoor centre over the coming months.”
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