The ambitious Tobermory campus project remains on track and progressing with a constructive discussion held earlier this week at the Scottish Parliament hosted by the Cabinet Secretary for Education.
The meeting brought together senior Councillors and Officers and a range of community representatives, and also local MSPs all of whom had the opportunity to share their views.
The Council and Scottish Government were agreed that the meeting was not about revisiting decisions taken by the Council about the campus, but focussing on delivering the best possible facilities from the proposed Tobermory campus for children and young people.
The Council confirmed their support for the welcome statement from the First Minister in parliament recently, reiterated by the Cabinet Secretary about possible flexibilities around funding for the Tobermory campus and highlighted options which could be considered including increased funding to take account of specific island cost issues and possible development of enhanced campus facilities beyond those envisaged in the original funding bid, examples of which could cover enhanced playing field facilities, a community gym, library and community space provisions.
These community facilities are in addition to the educational benefits the project is designed to deliver: high-quality, inclusive and accessible learning environments, improved specialist teaching spaces, enhanced digital infrastructure, better indoor and outdoor learning opportunities.
The Council was clear that the rights and views of children and young people would continue to run through the development of the Tobermory Campus, and that there would be further engagement with children and young people, parents and carers and the school workforce taking place as the project progresses.
The £46 million (current estimates) proposal depends on investment from the Scottish Government’s Learning Estates Investment Programme (LEIP). This provides funding of up to 50% for a like for like replacement.
Councillor Kieron Green, Policy Lead for Education, said:
"It was a positive and constructive meeting and we value the feedback received as we continue to develop plans for the new 2-18 campus at Tobermory South. We have engaged with the community and young people throughout the project and will continue to do so as the plans progress."
Councillor Ross Moreland, Policy Lead for Finance and Commercial Services, said:
"This is a highly ambitious project for both the Council and the Scottish Government through the Learning Estate Investment Programme. We welcome the Scottish Government's ongoing support and the discussions around funding flexibilities, recognising the unique challenges involved in delivering major community infrastructure projects on islands.
"We remain committed to working closely with all partners to deliver the best possible outcome for the young people, families and wider community of Mull."
The Council will continue to progress plans for a new 2-18 campus at the preferred Tobermory South location. A statutory consultation on the proposed relocation closes on 2nd October, and a report on that exercise will be considered by Councillors before the end of the year.
