Council lambasted over ‘complete fiasco’

Politicians have blasted Perth and Kinross Council over its expensive and drawn-out failure to close Abernyte Primary.

Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart said: “This entire process has been a complete fiasco from start to finish and I hope that we can now draw a line under this and get on with work to strengthen the future of this fantastic rural school.

“Given that both the Court of Session and the School Closure Review Panel have revealed serious failures in the entire process, we must have answers from those responsible.”

Deputy First Minister and SNP colleague John Swinney said: “The panel’s review raises serious questions regarding Perth and Kinross Council’s rationale for closing the school and their decision-making throughout this process.

“I hope that the council will reflect carefully on these findings, so as to ensure that no other local school will be forced to endure such needless uncertainty.”

Mr Wishart has asked for answers from Conservative councillor Angus Forbes, who represents the Carse of Gowrie and was targeted in an unsuccessful personalised campaign asking him to block the initial closure.

Having voted in favour of the closure, Mr Forbes now says the council will do its best to grow the school’s catchment area.

“My opinion on Abernyte school has always been that this is a great school without a viable catchment,” he said.

“Way before there was any talk of closure, parents within the catchment made the choice to send their children to other schools, and indeed continue to do so.

“Back in 2012 the parent council rightly identified the falling roll as an issue and begged the then SNP administration for a catchment review, it’s my view that had they been listened to then, it may have made a difference.

“I’ll work with the education staff at the council and the local community to try and find a way to grow the catchment.”