Council To Consult On School Residence Provision For Skye and Lochalsh Communities

People in the community of Kyleakin and the communities of Drumfearn to Calligarry served by the A851 road are to be consulted on the future of school residence provision for children attending Portree High School.

Members of the Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee today (Thursday, 19 January 2006) agreed that a non-statutory community consultation be undertaken on the future of school residence eligibility for pupils living in these area.

Members heard that at present 19 pupils from Drumfearn to Calligarry use the pupil residences at Portree High School at which they are entitled to free accommodation and 17 pupils from the same areas travel on a daily basis.

The committee was informed by Area Education Manager Laurence Young that due to significant road improvements to the A851 Broadford to Armadale road, that by summer 2006, reductions in travelling time to Portree may negate the need for pupils to use school residences.

The communities of Ord, Tarskavaig, Achnacloich, Tormore, Aird of Sleat, Elgol and Glasnakille will not be affected by the community consultations.