One of the reasons we moved to Oban was for its outdoor nursery having lived in Glasgow when Maisy was a baby. We wanted both the girls to get a chance to spend time outdoors in all weathers and play freely the way we remember growing up.

We liked idea of preschool being in a non classroom environment. Maisy never realised she was at nursery to learn anything, which is brilliant because she learned so much this way.

Both girls enjoy/enjoyed the vastness of the site and the freedom they have/had to explore and make up games. Both love getting filthy! Making fires is always talked about (as well as marshmallows and making garlic bread ☺ )

They have both had different experiences settling in and one struggles a bit still but I believe she is happier in the outdoor setting than she would be indoors and she always seems to enjoy it by the end of the session. Being the less confident child, I see the biggest changes in her after starting at Stramash.

As we approach Lilys final term at Stramash I am becoming an emotional mess. I dropped her off today to be greeted enthusiastically by a wee gang of kids who she charged off with laughing and delighted. In the field next door the 2 horses and 3 deer just went about their days. I phoned her dad from the car to share the moment as it was one of those snapshots you want to keep forever in ur head. I will NEVER have a moment’s regret at my choice of nursery and am quite smug I got it so right for my wee muddy pink tomboy. Her childhood has so far been what every kids should be..getting dirty, fresh air, learning through play and happiness. Thank you Stramash Elgin for the best 3 years and I’m sorry if I’m a sobbing mess when Lilys nursery days are done.