Dounans Outdoor Education Centre Scotland

SOEC offers inspiring, fun and educational outdoor learning programmes to schools and groups with Centres set within easy reach of the central belt of Scotland.SOEC offers inspiring, fun and educational outdoor learning programmes to schools and groups with Centres set within easy reach of the central belt of Scotland.

We work in partnership with school clients to determine the content of the programme and ensure it delivers the outcomes you want for your pupils. 

We believe that it is the away from home, immersive experience that changes a young person, their self-perception, self-belief, optimism, growth mind-set and an increase in self-confidence.  

Activity programmes can take place largely on site and the young people are active throughout the day, from arrival on site until departure.   

Dounans Outdoor Education Centre Scotland
Residential school trips Scotland
Outdoor education Scotland
Duke of Edinburgh Scotland

We want all young people to have the best possible outdoor learning experience when they stay with us.  We work with leaders to ensure that the programme meets their needs. 

We can offer groups different lengths of programme to fit in with their needs.  Groups return each year to enjoy the educational programmes, healthy meals and personal touches that we offer.  

The large grounds, hall and classrooms make us an ideal venue for school music or study groups too.

Dounans has a large hall and multiple classrooms which can be used for indoor activities.  These are used by groups such as school orchestras, bands and drama.

We offer a range of outdoor learning activities

Dounans holds an AALS Licence.

Dounans has accommodation for:

144 x pupils in dormitory accommodation, with each dorm area sleeping 12.  

12 x single rooms for staff

Dorms are 12 beds in total with toilets/showers in the unit.

Staff rooms are en-suite.  Dormitory plans are available on our website.

Risk assessments are available for all visits.

Groups may take photographs, films or audio of their own group. 

Bookings: info@soec.org.uk   

Tel:01899 221115

Prices for residential outdoor learning programmes are per pupil for the length of the programme. There are different rates for different times of the year.  We provide all prices in writing to the groups at the time of enquiry.

One free paying place for every 12 paying places.

We have different rates for accommodation only bookings, self catering, full programmes and provide all these in writing to the customer at the time of enquiry.

All Centre Managers and Outdoor Tutor staff are first aid trained.

SOEC has a duty person on site and on call overnight.

All meals are provided (breakfast, lunch, evening meal, hot drink/cake at supper time)

Wifi available to teachers.  Many schools discourage pupils from bringing mobile phones.

A range of outdoor activities led by qualified SOEC staff.

Our focus is on fully catered residentials.   Packed lunches can be provided as part of the programme or at group request (if not taking part in SOEC school programme)..

SOEC looks to cater for all young people and leaders are encouraged to enquire at the time of booking.  Limited accessibility for wheelchairs.

SOEC is open all year.

All pupils in all Scottish schools need to have access to outdoor residential experiences, this vital experience is essential to their overall development in this modern world – secondary school teacher 2025

Dounans is located in the village of Aberfoyle in the Trossachs, in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and only half an hour’s drive from Stirling.  It has 30 acres of grounds.

Groups are able to walk from the Centre into the local forest with its many miles of trails.

We can offer pre visit talks to teachers/parents/pupils.

Each programme is discussed with visiting teachers in advance of the visit

Flexibility to take account of specific group needs