Charity set up to help secure funds for outdoor centre Published on Tuesday 13 March 2012 12:04 Generations of schoolchildren have enjoyed away days and weeks there in the heart of the Highlands. But financial woes had cast clouds over whether more would follow in their footsteps. Now, thanks to a fresh fundraising bid in the Capital, pupils will continue to relive their parents" experiences after the future of an outdoor centre was secured. The council-owned Lagganlia Centre, at Glen Feshie in the Cairngorms National Park, was under threat after being hit by cash troubles. A new charity, Friends of Lagganlia, will now raise much-needed funds and help promote the learning centre. Fundraising efforts will ensure vulnerable children and disadvantaged youngsters can afford to take part in school trips to the Highlands. A donation of £186,000 from the George Boyd Anderson Trust, named after the philanthropist who helped set up the centre in 1970, went towards improving it last year. As well as school trips, its forest lodges also offer residential courses for adults. The chairman of the new charity said the outdoor centre was worth protecting. Stuart Armstrong said: "We are very lucky to have Lagganlia. It is a wonderful resource and many people in Edinburgh have fond memories of visiting the centre, on school trips, away days or even visiting as adults with their families. Friends of Lagganlia has been created because we want to help make sure that the centre is accessible to all and that more people get the chance to enjoy the activities available. Mr Armstrong admitted the charity had been set up at a welcome time, with fears building over the centre's future. He said: "We live in straitened times and funds are tight, that is why we hope that through this charity we can better serve the centre in terms of achieving funding though various avenues. It's either that or lose forever what has been a fine resource over the past 40 years. City council chiefs said keeping the outdoor centre going would benefit future generations of schoolchildren. Education convener, Councillor Marilyne MacLaren, said: "I am very proud that we are able to deliver such a great outdoor facility. The great educational benefits provided by the centre should be recognised and it is vital that we continue to support Lagganlia to ensure its success for generations to come. I also feel strongly that opportunities such as those on offer at Lagganlia are open to all, regardless of their economic circumstances. For that reason, I especially welcome the commitment by Friends of Lagganlia to help more people from disadvantaged backgrounds to visit the centre. Ski slope gets a £300k lift MORE than £300,000 is being invested to give Edinburgh schoolchildren better access to ski facilities and instruction. Eiger counter STARE into the face of Dougal Haston, and what comes back is a photographic image reflecting coolness and confidence, a tousled, Jack-the-Lad countenance which, even in his mid-20s in 1966, seemed to hide dark secrets. He knew more than we did. It was a coolness and confidence that took Haston to the greatest heights of mountaineering achievement, but then some observers might describe his demeanour as calculating and callous. And they would be right, too. Eiger counterWords Duggie Middleton Portrait Doug Scott National Trust sparks battle to save Suntrap IT is named the Suntrap and the heat is definitely on. The National Trust for Scotland has been accused of "betraying the ideals" of the philanthropist who gave the little-known horticultural treasure to the nation by selling it off to raise cash. Don't let the sun go down on The Suntrap THE sky is the colour of lead, rain is threatening to turn from drizzle to downpour and the wind is whipping the supple branches of trees back and forth. It's an afternoon in the Suntrap garden which is as far removed from its cheery monicker as it's possible to get.