Roy Bridge Primary School

Following a meeting today (Friday) between representatives of The Highland Council and campaigners for the retention of Roy Bridge Primary School, arranged and attended by Fergus Ewing, constituency MSP for Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber, it was agreed that the financial information regarding the costs of all three options concerning the future of the school should be reviewed by an independent third party, with guidance sought from the Scottish Government.

The review will consider: -

A.  How The Highland Council finances would have been affected by each of three options namely:-
(1) the status quo – ie retaining Roy Bridge Primary School with improvements;
(2) amalgamation with Spean Bridge Primary, including a two classroom extension to accommodate the Roy Bridge pupils;
(3)  a new build at Roy Bridge.

in relation to the impact each would have on capital costs and revenue funding, plus future Council revenue from the Scottish Government, taking account of Revenue Support Grant and Grant Aided Expenditure, including “floor” rules.

B. Costs of the Public Private Partnership liability in each case.   

In addition, the PPP provider will be asked to confirm such intimated liability.

Finally, the Council has indicated it plans to publish in full on its web site the Public Private Partnership contract (excepting personal information).

Ends

NB:  The Council deputation was led by Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of the Education Culture and Sport Committee.