Bunessan families will leave Ross of Mull if new campus remains in Tobermory

The figure comes from an updated survey carried out by Bunessan Parent Council, which they say was completed by "almost every family" in the village. 

The survey found that 95 per cent of parents who completed the survey now support a central school and say they would send their children to it daily, up from 83 per cent in the last survey. 

And with 50 per cent of parents saying they would strongly consider leaving the Ross of Mull without a central campus, the Parent Council has expressed fears that depopulation of the area could worsen.

Parents cited the mental struggles that boarding at such a young age can have on their children as a major reason behind the decision to move away. 

Many families have already left the Ross of Mull due to the current schooling situation, the Parent Council say that they know of many that would return if a central school was built. 

According to NRS projections, as things currently stand, Mull’s population is set to stagnate, and is not expected to grow at all by 2030. 

The Parent Council said: "This clearly shows support for a central school for the whole island as it would allow parents and children to share daily family life, especially during what can be such an emotional and difficult time for children.

"It would also allow Mull to have a growing and thriving young population.

"Families want to have daily relationships with their children as it is a big part of family and child development; hearing and sharing what happened in their day and expressing their achievements and troubles.

"It truly would be a pivotal step in achieving this for all children on the island of Mull."