Council Leader praises work in reopening schools across Highland

Leader of the Highland Council Margaret Davidson praised the work of all staff and the executive team in reopening schools across Highland from today. She said:

“We are a Local Authority with one of the highest number of schools in the UK. We have 203 schools spread across an area covering one third of Scotland. 96% of our schools have reopened to the first tranche of pupils today in the start of our phased return. Since we received the Scottish Government’s decision at the end of July, our staff have been working incredibly hard to get schools open in line with an agreed phased return of all pupils by 18 August.

“I wish all pupils the very best for their first days back at school. Staff were working hard right up until late last night to get schools open with the exception of just 8 rural schools and these should be in a position to open to their first pupils in the next day or two. I am very proud of them all. Enhanced cleaning must be in place in all schools as the safety and wellbeing of children and staff is absolutely paramount.

“We must remember that we are dealing with unprecedented times and exceptional circumstances beyond our control. It has been an astonishing achievement to open 195 schools early and I cannot praise the staff and the senior team highly enough.”