‘My trip to the Castle was really good. I enjoyed all the activities. My favourite activity was the gorge walk. We got really mucky and wet. I would give Castle Toward 10 out of 10. It was great.’
Ross age 11, Saint Anthony's Rutherglen

‘A very positive experience for all the children. The activities foster teamship and using initiative. Castle Toward develops a sense of self-reliance and independence. It was marvellous to see the children challenging themselves and exceeding their own expectations. Thanks to everyone again for a great time. Back to high heels and the rat race!’
Nora Harley (Ross’s Mum), Saint Anthony's Rutherglen

‘Woodfarm High had an excellent week at Castle Toward. Pupils were challenged during the activities and learned new skills throughout the week. Pupils were able to make new friends and enjoy new experiences in a safe environment.

The week was carefully planned to ensure pupils achieved their goals and to improve their confidence. Group leaders were organized, flexible and encouraged pupils to participate and work as a team. Overall the pupils and staff had an excellent and fun week.’
Fiona Johnston, Teacher – Woodfarm High School

I wish to take this opportunity to tell you how my son, Barry (pupil of Isobel Mair School, Glasgow) has changed since his school trip. Before he went to Ardentinny he refused to take part in activities, either at school or home. However, since returning…he is a new boy. He is now willing to get involved in family occasions and is more confident and considerate of others around him. The activities at the centre really brought him out of his shell, he has been able to see if he puts in the effort, he achieves so much.

The care and attention by the staff at the centre has been second to none, with the correct encouragement from caring staff he reached his full potential, he has also discovered the great outdoors and now understands the importance of group events and how much fun he can have by joining in.

As this trip has had such a big impact on my son and, I’m sure, on many other children, I hope that trips to Ardentinny will continue. I do realise that the funding for these trips is not easy to come by, but when you see the benefits to the children I’m sure you will agree the money is well spent.
Mary Mcnamee, Parent, Auchenbach, Glasgow

The students and staff would like to thank you for the fabulous residential weekend. Students returned from the weekend with a real sense of achievement. The variety of activities you provide for our students gives them the opportunity to experience new challenges, in fantastic surroundings. Both the students and the staff thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities.

Thank you once again, looking forward to next year.
Supported Learning Section, Glasgow College of Nautical Studies

East Renfrewshire Council is committed to the use of Ardentinny Outdoor Learning Centre and all schools use the centre annually. Actual Reality has the reputation of providing an outdoor education programme with real team building activities. (The study weekends are) very effective for the council, especially the ‘Closing The Gap’ activities between the more and less affluent schools.

The ‘Dreams Come True’ weekend involved 26 young people with additional support needs. Each young person was accompanied by a senior pupil, mostly from S5 and S6 who had volunteered to be a ‘buddy’ over the weekend. Actual Reality put in place a programme (that included) abseiling and gorge walking. The thought of wearing a crash helmet or a buoyancy vest seemed to inspire so many youngsters to be better, more mature and more engaged than normal.

The weekend has been an outstanding success. Isobel Meir staff have indicated that their pupils stepped up and were more involved than they anticipated…Buddies have been motivated to work with children with additional support needs in future…Staff were enamoured by the experience…The Education Department has received letters and phone calls from parents who are expressing their appreciation…because of the positive experience their children had.
Ian Fraser, Head of Education Services (Children and Young People), East Renfrewshire Council