Lifeline for under threat rural primary school
Duror Primary School has been thrown a lifeline after a much welcomed intervention from Highland Council’s Education Committee.
In a report by Kate Lackie, Assistant Chief Executive of People at the Highland Council, committee members were asked to agree to recommend that the Highland Council discontinue education at Duror Primary School, transferring its catchment to that of St. Bride’s Primary School.
However, after the report was read out at today’s meeting committee chairman Councillor John Finlayson proposed a change to "this committee agrees to recommend that the Highland Council does not discontinue education at Duror Primary School."
He told the committee that after engaging personally with the affected communities of Duror and Kentallen he was satisfied that the school was well used by a playgroup and that after hearing representations from various interested parties the school roll, which currently stands at two, would rise in future years.
Cllr Finlayson had a wide choice of seconders to his proposal and the committee proceeded to agree the motion.
Since learning of the possible closure Fort William and Ardnamurchan councillor Sarah Fanet has been actively engaging with the school, parents, Community Council and stakeholders and told the Lochaber Times: "This is excellent news.
"The community must be praised for its hard work to make the case and keep the school open.
"Duror Primary School has so much to offer to the local people including a potential for more childcare that already exists through the weekly playgroup.
"It also has a massive potential to benefit the children of other Lochaber schools and beyond by becoming an outdoor marine and coastal conservation education hub in partnership with local conservation group Maccoll and The Scottish Association for Marine Science in Oban with whom I have urged Highland Council to engage as soon as possible.
"A great day for the community of Duror and Kentallen."
The recommendation will now be put forward for consideration at the Full Council meeting in March.
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