Schools FAQs

Abernethy operates three centres.  Our residential adventure centres, one in the North and one in the South of Scotland, accommodate around 50-70 guests. Our centre on the West coast specialises in retreats and can accommodate 18 people.

It means that our staff teams are predominantly made up of Christians, and our faith motivates us to do the work that we do. Our own events often have Christian themes, but our centres are open for visitors of all faiths and none to enjoy. If you are joining a school group please see this page for more information.

Bring clothing appropriate for the season your group is visiting, although extra layers are encouraged in case of a cold or wet snap. Schools and groups are given a comprehensive kit list, which is available on our booking platform, Venue360.

Barcaple has single and twin bedded leader ensuite rooms. Nethybridge has bunk bed leader ensuite rooms sleeping 2 and single rooms available.

Barcaple leader rooms are ensuite. We also have two ensuite dormitories sleeping 6 and 4 pupils. Kilmalieu has 3 ensuite rooms and some with dedicated facilities. Nethybridge has 3 leader ensuite rooms. Student rooms have facilities shared between two or three rooms.

Yes we do. Nethybridge has the Theatre lounge seating approximately 120 guests in tiered seating with a stage and projector room.  The Walker Lounge and Allt Mor Lounge are available for relaxation and gathering with pupils out with activities and evening Explore session. The Porter and Crawford Lounges are available at Barcaple.  The Allt Mor, Porter & Crawford Lounges can be set up for study visits and workshops. Kilmalieu has a lounge which can be set up in different ways for guests’ use. Please let us know before your visit so we have everything in place for your arrival.

We would encourage a preview visit to make sure the centre facilities meet your individual needs.  We can discuss if there is anything we can do to make a visit possible and accessible for guests with limited mobility. Our centres are beautiful old coaching houses and due to the age of the buildings there are several steps and narrow corridors in the houses.  For guests with limited mobility and those with smaller wheelchairs we can offer the chalets at Nethybridge. The dinning room can be accessed from the outside along with the Theatre lounge.  The sports centre has a disabled toilet and wash facilities, and a hoist to access the swimming pool.  We do not have hoists in the dormitories. At Barcaple we have two downstairs ensuite rooms, both can be accessed by an outside door.  The dinning room can be entered through the conservatory.  The Sports barn has disabled wash and toilet facilities. Please get in touch to arrange a preview visit or discuss your requirements further.

Our highly skilled instructors help to inspire children by introducing them to new and exciting activities and to encourage young people with additional needs to develop new life skills within their capabilities. This can help them gain independence and confidence as they journey through school, college, university and in to the work and voluntary sectors. Our programmes can be tailored to meet the needs of those attending. Please contact us to discuss this further.

Accommodation is in comfortable bunkbed rooms.  Barcaple and Nethybridge offer rooms for 2,4 or 6 guests and have the option to add additional beds in some rooms, giving more flexibility in accommodation layout.

Nethybridge can comfortably welcome approximately 70 guests and Barcaple 62 in the main houses, with the possibility to increase depending on the number of teachers attending. However, we can host over 100 using our bell tents. get in touch if you would like to know more.

Our centres are small and depending on your group size you may have sole occupancy.  If there is another group visiting at the same time as your group you may share meal times and evening Explore sessions. Activity sessions will be specifically for your school unless you are booking as part of a cluster.

Our group sizes are approximately 8 to 10 people per group, allowing young people to be actively participating during the whole session.

We would love to welcome you for a preview visit. Please contact us directly to arrange a suitable date and time. We can then make sure a member of our team is available to welcome you and show you around the centre.

We can offer a virtual appointment to join your parents meeting or, depending on where your school is and the time of your meeting, one of our team may be able to attend.

Yes. One of our Senior Instructors will be in touch around 6 weeks before your arrival to discuss and plan your activity programme.

Yes we do.  On our booking platform Venue360 we ask for group leaders to complete guest dietary and medical information at least 6 weeks before arrival. This allows our catering and house team to plan your menu and accommodation for your visit. We cater for guests with, but not limited to, diabetes, dairy/lactose free, vegetarian, gluten free.

We suggest that children bring their own if they can, but our centres do have a limited range of outdoor clothing for guests to borrow if needed. Do not to go out and buy new clothing. If concerned, do contact us before your visit and the centre can confirm if we can provide what you need.

The majority of schools visit Abernethy for a week Monday – Friday.  Please contact us if you would like to book a shorter visit over 2 or 3 nights, this may be possible at certain times of the year.

Explore is a time to come together as a group to reflect on what children have learned during their activity day. The session includes games, songs, activities and stories. We use Explore to make connections between morals, values and how we live our lives using the rich resources of our Christian traditions, history and culture. Explore follows The Scottish Government Curriculum Guidelines for Religious and Moral education in schools. We hope that your school will take part in Explore however please let us know if you would like to opt out, we can then alter your evening programme.