The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Council ready to help out pupils of fire-hit Fife secondary school
Perth and Kinross chiefs in talks as community rallies round
Stricken pupils of a burnt-out Fife secondary school could find temporary refuge in Perth and Kinross.
Woodmill High School in Dunfermline was destroyed in a blaze on Sunday night, leaving 1,400 pupils without classrooms as the new term started.
It had been suggested the new Bertha Park, currently home only to junior pupils, could be used.
A Perth and Council spokesperson said: “As the matter is at an early stage, no specific offer of support has been made.
“However, we will be remaining in contact with our neighbouring council regarding how they intend to deliver alternative education provision for the pupils concerned, and if we can provide appropriate support and assistance, we will do so.”
Sending youngsters to other areas, including Perth and Edinburgh, is one of several short-term options being looked at by Fife’s education chiefs desperate to restart lessons as soon as possible.
The possible move was revealed as a 14-year-old boy appeared in court accused of starting the blaze which devastated the school.
The Kirkcaldy youngster, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared in private at Dunfermline Sheriff Court charged with wilful fireraising to danger of life.
He made no plea to the accusation against him and was released on bail pending further examination of the case.
Fife Council said no part of the building had been left untouched by the fire and has announced the school will not reopen in the short to medium term.
The Scottish Government now plans to accelerate ongoing talks with Fife’s education service about securing a replacement building for Woodmill, which is at capacity.
The Perth and Kinross Council reaction was typical of the community effort which has been made throughout Fife and beyond since the devastating fire.
An online fundraising effort set up on the Just Giving site had raised more than £6,000 by yesterday lunchtime, while people and organisations have offered their time, skills and resources.
As the matter is at an early stage, no specific offer of support has been made. PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL SPOKESPERSON