Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch is delighted to learn that the Scottish Government has taken the decision to call-in an earlier Highland Council recommendation that a single new school be built in Dunvegan to replace the existing Dunvegan Primary School, which would have meant the closures of Struan, Edinbane and Knockbreck Primary Schools.

Mr Thompson said, “I am glad that sense has prevailed and the concerns of parents have been listened to as the Scottish Government take the decision to call-in the proposals for an amalgamated school in Dunvegan.

“This matter has been running for some considerable time, but given the consequences of the new school would mean closures to Struan, Edinbane and Knockbreck Primary Schools, it is extremely important that we ensure due process has been followed.

I recently wrote to the Minister for Learning, Alasdair Allan, asking that the decision be called-in, so I am pleased that the Government are listening and I look forward to further developments on the issue”.

Skye Councillor, Ian Renwick said, “I am delighted the parent’s campaign to have the decision by Highland Council called-in by the Scottish Government has borne fruit.

“I would like to congratulate the parents for all their sterling campaign efforts and I welcome the fact that the Scottish Government has listened to their concerns and called the decision in”.

Notes:

North West Skye schools

Highland Council has been notified that the Council’s proposal to establish a new community school in Dunvegan, North West Skye, has been called in by Scottish Government Ministers.

The Council’s proposal is to establish a new community school in Dunvegan, replacing the existing provision at Dunvegan, Edinbane, Knockbreck and Struan Primary Schools.

Ministers may issue a call in notice if it appears to them that the education authority may have failed to comply with the requirements of the Schools Consultation (Scotland) Act 2010, or may not have taken proper account of a material consideration relevant to its decision to implement the proposal.

The proposal will now be referred to the School Closure Review Panel, who will reach a decision in relation to the Council’s proposal. Highland Council will not progress implementation of the proposal meantime.

Councillor Alasdair Christie, Chair of the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee said: “We note that the Council’s proposal to establish a modern new community school for North West Skye has been called in. This is due process to ensure that there has been full and proper consultation in relation to the Act, and we welcome the opportunity to demonstrate that this has been the case. The Council will co-operate fully with the School Closure Review Panel to allow a final decision to be reached. The Council remains firmly of the view that there are strong educational and community benefits from the proposed new community school.

Further information on the Council’s proposals for North West Skye schools are available from: http://www.highland.gov.uk/info/893/schools_-_general_information/25/modern

http://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/8577/scottish_government_response_to_new_school_proposals_for_tain_and_north_west_skye