Stay of execution for Abernyte Primary

The proposed closure of Abernyte Primary School has been postponed until 2021.

Following a failed legal challenge by Perth and Kinross Council, the Scottish Government’s school closure review panel will next week resume reviewing the decision to close the school.

The council confirmed it has pushed back the closure date, providing the panel upholds its decision, by 12 months.

Sheena Devlin, executive director of education and children’s services, said: “It has been confirmed the school closure review panel will reconvene on May 29.

“It is considered that it may be unlikely that a decision will be made before the end of term, or if it is, it will be very close to the end of term.

“Should, in time, the School Closure Review Panel’s decision be to grant consent for the lifelong learning committee decision to close Abernyte Primary School then appropriate transition would be arranged for pupils prior to the revised date of July 1 2021.”

The postponement had been demanded by Abernyte Primary’s parent council chairman Gerard Mcgoldrick and was welcomed by Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart.

He said: “I am glad to see common sense has prevailed and this gives some clarity for at least the next academic year.

“We now need to do everything we can to secure the longer term future of the school. Pupils and parents can be assured they will have my full support.”

Carse of Gowrie councillor Beth Pover said: “This is fantastic news. It is something my SNP colleagues and I on the lifelong learning committee have been calling for and I am delighted that we now have some clarity for parents, pupils and staff going into the next academic year.”

“It is something my SNP colleagues and I have been calling for. COUNCILLOR BETH POVER