MP to hold schools meeting

Parents at under-threat schools across the region are being invited to a public meeting next week.

Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, is holding a public meeting on Thursday, November 15 at 7pm in Perth’s Royal George Hotel.

This comes as Perth and Kinross Council carries out a school estate review, leaving a number of schools under threat of closure.

Some schools, such as Balhousie Primary School and the mothballed Forteviot Primary School, have already been axed as part of phase one of the review.

The aim of the meeting is to give concerned parents the opportunity to discuss their experiences and look at how best to move forward.

Mr Wishart said: “During the process it is essential that residents have their say in an appropriate forum and setting.

“I intend to ensure that my constituents are given the opportunity to talk to each other.

“This will afford them an opportunity for proper scrutiny of the decision makers and proposals, which has been denied to them by the Tory administration at Perth and Kinross Council.

“Where potential school closures are on the agenda, it is vital that the discussion is as inclusive and considered as possible.

“Since the start of this process, I have been concerned that the views of parents and local communities are being ridden rough-shod, through a series of isolated consultations that carry no weight.”

He added: “I am pleased that Rev Hunter Farquharson, who was involved in the successful campaign to save St Ninian’s Primary School in Perth and Andy Charlton from the parent council of Pitlochry High School, who is currently engaged in a ‘hands up for Pitlochry High School’ campaign, will be speaking at the meeting. “All are welcome to attend. “To let us know if you are coming, please call 01738 639598 or email pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk so we can make the appropriate accommodations.”

Schools listed in the council’s second phase of the review are Cleish, Grandtully, Logierait and Ruthvenfield primary schools and Pitlochry High School.

In the third phase of the review, the schools will include Balbeggie, Collace, Coupar Angus, Glendelvine, Kettins, Meigle and Stanley primary schools.