Options for new Braco school

Perth and Kinross Council is exploring two different options to build a new primary school in Braco.

In October 2016 PKC decided to mothball Greenloaning Primary School due to a dwindling school roll.

It was permanently closed in June 2019 and pupils in the Greenloaning catchment have been permanently educated at Braco Primary School.

But the suitability of Braco Primary School was rated as poor by PKC. The council proposed refurbishing both Braco’s school and village hall to improve the learning environment.

But PKC said an initial feasibility study has found this not to be cost-effective. The council is now exploring two different options to build a brand new school.

It is understood pupils would be decanted to Greenloaning Primary School during the construction process.

A PKC spokesperson said:“Work is ongoing to determine the best solution to improve the suitability of Braco Primary School taking account of the approved principles for securing the future of the school estate.

“An initial feasibility study into a refurbishment of the school concluded that this would not be a cost-effective option.

“Further work has been commissioned to determine whether a new build school would be feasible with two possible options being considered. The two options being explored include a new build on the current school site and a new build on the land behind the village hall.”

Perth and Kinross Council leader and Strathallan Conservative councillor Murray Lyle said:“I am pressuring council officers to try and come up with a conclusion.

“I and others had lobbied for a new school but it has taken longer than normal.

“We hope to have a solution in the not too distant future but I am aware of the frustrations of some members of the community.”