School closure would be devastating blow

Sir, – I am writing with regard to the proposed closure of Pitlochry High.

I am a former pupil of the school, having started there in 2004.

I came from a small rural school, Straloch, which sadly has since closed.

The last five generations of my family have gone to Pitlochry High and my biggest achievement was becoming head girl.

Having a high school in the town is paramount and I will challenge anyone who says otherwise.

Coming from a small rural school I was extremely shy and not confident at all in large crowds of people.

Going to Pitlochry High from a primary school of only seven pupils was a big shock to me. I can look back now and laugh at how shy I was but at the time it was very daunting.

If I was going to a bigger school such as Breadalbane or Blairgowrie I really wouldn’t have coped.

When considering closure, the decision must not be based on numbers or meaningless opinions.

Rather the decision must be based on the past reputation of the school and the high standard of teaching pupils have received and continue to receive.

So many schools are being centralised but not all pupils cope in these situations and lots of pupils get “lost” and do not receive the support they need.

Pitlochry High must remain open, and with an expanded catchment area.

Without the school, Pitlochry will not have a heart.

Kirsty Horne. Burnside of Dipple, Fochabers.

Picture: Steve MacDougall. We must save Pitlochry’s high school, urges one correspondent.