Àban - Adventure Learning Community

Àban is a Scottish outdoor education charity and award winning social enterprise.

We run Scotland's only independent DofE Open Award group and weekly free-to-access outdoor youth groups for biking, mountaineering, and open water swimming.

We offer a range of commercial activities, which helps pay for all of the activities above. These activities follow the same core principle of positive local adventures. Made up of Duke of Edinburgh's Award provision, private guiding, Holiday Camps, and our outdoor equipment charity shop on eBay. There's something for everyone!

Loch Ness by Jacobite Maverick and RIB 14

Loch Ness Cruise & Swim

Loch Ness Cruise & Swim on a Midsummer Evening!

Loch Ness by Jacobite have donated a private chartered sailing to Urquhart Castle in support of Àban! Embark on this unique experience with our Loch Ness Cruise & Swim on the evening of Saturday 22nd June 2024. This promises to be a fantastic experience that combines the iconic waters of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and the challenge of open water swimming.

Tue 12 MarRead more…

Your Natural Element

Your Natural Element

A four-day, self-development and outdoor wellbeing programme for women (18-25 yrs) in the Scottish Highlands.

Thu 22 FebRead more…

Kessock Swim 2022 48

Kessock Ferry Swim 2024 - Entries now open!

Detailed 2024 event info is now live on our event pages. The biggest change this year is the entry options - enter either as a timed or non-timed swimmer. Non-competitive as always, with timed swimmers times being published and non-timed not. We can't wait to welcome you all!

Wed 14 FebRead more…

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2024 Holiday Camps

Bookings are now open for our 2024 Holiday Camps, with dates across the school holidays and in-service days, taking place at Dunain Woods and Culduthel Woods.

Mon 29 JanRead more…

Some of our amazing staff team

Staff Training Day

Last weekend we hosted our annual staff training day to freshen up on key skills.

Mon 11 DecRead more…

Highly Commended

Highly Commended at UK Social Enterprise Award

We are delighted to have been named ‘Highly Commended’ in the 'One to Watch' award at the UK Social Enterprise Awards.

Mon 4 DecRead more…

IMG 1439 The Adventure Photographers

Àban Shopping Day - Thursday 7th December

Stuck for Christmas gift ideas? Come along to our shopping day at our Merkinch base to browse our extensive range of pre-loved outdoor gear.

Tue 28 NovRead more…

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Support our work

Contribute to our charitable work by making a one-off or regular donation.

DofE logo AALA logo SEF logo People's Postcode Trust logo OSCR logo Inverness Chamber Commerce membership