Committee Agrees Amalgamation of Brae Lochaber Schools

The Highland Council  agreed today (Thursday) to amalgamate Roy Bridge Primary School with nearby Spean Bridge Primary School with effect from August 2007.

Local Councillor Thomas MacLennan moved an amendment that Roy Bridge remain open with the purchase and installation of a two-roomed portable unit.

Councillor Andy Anderson, Chairman of the Education Culture and Sport Committee, moved the motion that the amalgamation go ahead.

Councillor Anderson’s motion was successful by 53 votes to 19.

Members took into account that the schools are only three miles apart.  They noted the  27-pupil Roy Bridge Primary is in a very poor condition while Spean Bridge, opened in 2002 as one of the first PPP schools in Highland, had excellent school and community facilities.  With a roll of 67, it had capacity to house 96 primary pupils and 50 nursery pupils.