Councillors pleased as Holyrood steps in

“It’s unfortunate that we have reached this stage because this is more uncertainty for parents and children.

“Plus the review of the closure will cost taxpayers money.

“It would have been better to determine it in a valid way in the first place.

“I await further details of the review process and will continue to stand alongside the parents and wider community through this next stage.

“I still believe that with the right catchment area and certainty about its future, Abernyte can be a thriving rural schooling option.

“The school closures review panel will now determine whether to close the school or not.

“The matter is now mostly out of the hands of Perth and Kinross Council.”

And Cllr Xander McDade, an independent councillor who sits on the lifelong learning committee, also said:“I welcome the Scottish Government’s announcement that they will call in the decision to close Abernyte Primary.

“I have consistently opposed the closure of rural schools across Perth and Kinross and have voted against the closure of Abernyte each and every time it has come before councillors.

“Abernyte is the perfect example of a growing small school that is providing an excellent education to its pupils and is serving its rural community.

“I hope that after reviewing the evidence, the school closure review panel will refuse the closure of this great little school. It is time this administration supported our fragile rural communities rather than voting to close them.”