Highland Council responds to decision of School Closure Review Panel

The Highland Council has today informed the Parent Councils in Dunvegan, Edinbane, Knockbreck and Struan, that the School Closure Review Panel has refused consent to the closure of these four small schools in North West Skye, which would have allowed the building of a new purpose built school in Dunvegan.  

The schools are: Dunvegan Primary School and Nursery Class; Struan Primary School and Nursery Class; Knockbreck Primary School and Nursery Class; and Edinbane Primary School and Nursery Class. 

The Council is disappointed at this decision, and at the finding that it has not fulfilled its obligations under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.  

The Chair of the Education, Children & Adult Services Committee, Cllr Drew Millar said: “We undertook an extensive consultation, taking account of the ideas and aspirations expressed by all of those involved.  We listened to parents when we came to our decision, and we sought to accommodate the range of views.  Many parents will share our disappointment, and we shall now take stock and consider the options, including whether the Council will lodge an appeal.” 

The Council has 14 days to consider whether it should lodge an appeal. 

The decision will be published on the Scottish Government website on 30 June 2015.  http://scrp.scot/