For many children living on the remote islands of the Inner Hebrides, the start of secondary school brings with it not just academic challenges, but significant emotional and logistical hurdles. A number of young people from islands such as Coll and Lismore are required to leave their homes and families to reside in hostels on the mainland, primarily in Oban, in order to access their education. This separation, particularly during the winter months when ferry services can be infrequent or cancelled, means some children go weeks, or even months, without seeing their parents.
The emotional toll of this arrangement is considerable. Parents describe heartbreaking scenes at the pier as children, some as young as 12, depart for the hostel, often in tears. Chris Cook, a resident of Coll with children either attending or soon to attend Oban High School, highlighted the severity of the situation during winter. He explained that after Christmas, children may only return home for a couple of days in February before the spring, effectively isolating them from their families for extended periods. Even weekend visits in summer are often exhausting, involving early starts and long ferry journeys, leaving little quality time for families.
Adding to these difficulties are concerns regarding the living conditions within the hostels themselves. A report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate (HMI) indicated that over two-thirds of pupils were dissatisfied with various aspects of hostel life. Common complaints included a lack of privacy, overcrowding, and instances of bullying. Denise Willis, whose daughter Eilidh recently started secondary school from Lismore, expressed worries about inadequate sleep for her daughter due to late-night disturbances and a perceived shortage of staff, with sometimes only four staff members overseeing 85 children across three floors. Her son, Murray, had also experienced significant bullying.
While parents acknowledge the quality of education at Oban High School, the stress associated with the hostel arrangements is palpable. Alison Maclean, whose daughter Flora is also attending from Lismore, noted the provision of activities at the hostel but also raised concerns about 18-year-olds being housed alongside 12-year-olds. The challenges are not unique to the Inner Hebrides; Hannah Bowyer from the Knoydart peninsula, accessible only by boat, removed her youngest child from a mainland school due to severe homesickness, opting for homeschooling instead.
In response to the issues, Argyll and Bute Council, which manages the hostel, has confirmed that work has been undertaken since last year's HMI report. A spokesperson stated that additional funding is being allocated to upgrade the hostel facilities. However, the council declined a request to allow a visit to the hostel or to speak with staff directly.