Seamab, a charity which provides residential care and education for children and young people from across Scotland with complex needs who have experienced some of the worst forms of early childhood trauma, neglect, and abuse, has announced its fundraising has now broken the £4 million barrier – meaning the campaign is more than two thirds of the way towards its £5.5m target.

Seamab’s existing facilities – in a former residential home near Kinross – provide a safe and supportive environment for children with wide-ranging needs, but aren’t fit for purpose in the modern educational landscape.

The funds raised so far have been thanks to Scotland’s business community, charitable trusts, and philanthropists backing the campaign, led by the charity’s chair Chris Stewart, CEO of the private real estate investment and development firm Chris Stewart Group. The businessman has also helped bring together more than £400,000 in pro-bono support from architects and contractors including Thomas & Adamson, 3D Reid, Thomson Gray, Will Rudd, and Rybka.

Last week, Seamab secured a loan of £800,000 and a £200,000 grant from Social Investment Scotland, adding to over £2.8m received from philanthropists and successful applications to major funders including: the Foyle Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, Swire Trust, Northwood Charitable Trust, KPE4 Charitable Trust, Hugh Fraser Foundation, Souter Charitable Trust, Wooden Spoon Charitable Trust, SPIFOX, Ettrick Charitable Trust, Cruden Foundation, Barrack Charitable Trust, and the Crerar Trust.

“I am so grateful to everyone who has backed the campaign. The generosity has been tremendous”, said Chris Stewart.

“Seeing is believing and anyone who comes to see the school can not only see it simply isn’t fit for purpose, but that there’s a huge need for what it provides. I would welcome any funder, business owner or elected official to come to visit Seamab.

“Our tremendous staff are doing what they can to provide the best possible education to these pupils. But it’s in a dated residential building that simply isn’t good enough. Pupils don’t have access to a gym hall and the classrooms are former bedrooms which aren’t big enough. These children need somewhere appropriate to learn, play, socialise, and exercise.

“These children have experienced a traumatic start to life, and often chaotic living and educational circumstances. We are driven to make sure they can learn and develop in a safe, secure and caring environment to take positive steps in their futures.”

Former Scotland captain Chris Paterson, the charity’s official ambassador, is calling on Scots to help get the campaign over the line. The 109-cap Scottish rugby legend – the nation’s record points scorer – trained as a PE teacher, and has been running rugby sessions with pupils at Seamab.

He said: “It’s (the target) so close. Since I became involved earlier this year, I’ve been lucky enough to meet the children Seamab supports on a daily basis. They shouldn’t have less than other children have. They deserve a school that serves their needs.

“It’s in Scotland’s values to tackle inequality and unfairness. What these children have experienced is unfair and it’s our responsibility as a nation to do whatever we can to help give these kids a chance, and to make sure there’s a place for children who need this additional support long into the future.

“Most of the ingredients are there. The surroundings are magnificent, and the teachers are incredibly caring and patient. The children just need a school building where they can grow and develop.”

Seamab is a charity that provides year-round care for children aged 5 to 18 who have experienced abuse, trauma, and neglect. Seamab provides a highly adapted education curriculum, specialist care and therapeutic support that helps the children understand what has happened to them and enables them to focus on their education.

To donate to support the new school and to contribute towards the provision of regular activities, visit the website.