Parliament record presented to school as memento of fight

The parent-led campaign to save an Angus school from closure has been hailed as a prime example of “democracy in action”.

Stracathro Primary was part of an Angus Council consultation over the Brechin primary school cluster.

But councillors and officers listened to a frank exchange of opinions and legal discussion before taking the closure off the table.

The campaign was supported by Angus Conservative MP Kirstene Hair, who visited parents and pupils, to hand over a symbolic reference of their win.

The parents, who led the vibrant campaign along with many other members of the community, were acknowledged in the House of Commons.

Ms Hair handed over a copy of the Hansard, the UK Parliament’s historic record of speeches, to the parents and head teacher as a memento.

She said: “This was a tireless campaign by the parents and their families, which demonstrated the strong case for the school to remain open and I can only hope this puts the debate to rest for many years to come.

“Their work was commended by the Leader of the House in the Commons chamber.

“I thought it would be fitting to hand over a copy of Hansard to the parents and pupils to keep as a reminder of their hard work. It was a great afternoon visiting Stracathro Primary and hear the excitement from the pupils as they continue to enjoy learning in this fantastic school environment.”

Stracathro was the first primary earmarked for closure under the authority’s ambitious 30-year education blueprint which will result in other, yet to be identified, schools being closed.

Campaigners had challenged the authority over many aspects of what they branded a flawed consultation, warning that they would fight the planned closure “every step of the way”.

Campaigners argued that the school, while small, was a focal point for the local community and provides a centre for families to interact with neighbours.

Parents had also questioned the financial savings to be made.