Minard Primary to close for good

Lochgilphead vandalism appeal

Police are appealing for information after a vandalism to a premises in Manse Brae, Lochgilphead.

The incident took place between the evenings of Friday March 1 and Saturday March 2 at the shared offices of Kilbrandon House.

Officers are appealing for anyone who saw what happened or anyone with information to come forward.

Constable Dorian Stone, Lochgilphead Police Station, said: “Vandalism and graffiti have no place in our community and are not victimless crimes. Someone in the community will know who is responsible for this and I’d urge them to come forward and speak to us.”

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 3508 of March 2.

Minard Primary, which has been mothballed for a number of years, with pupil numbers not forecast to rise anytime soon, has been closed. As a result of the closure, the catchment areas of the schools at Lochgilphead and Furnace will be extended to take in that of Minard.

Members of Argyll and Bute Council’s community services committee unanimously agreed education provision at Minard should end from Friday May 31, in accordance with officers’ recommendations. The committee decided to press ahead with the recommendation despite both the chairperson and deputy – Yvonne McNeilly and Daniel Hampsey being absent. Councillor Audrey Forrest took the chair instead for the meeting on Thursday March 7.

On the Minard Primary recommendation, Councillor Douglas Philand (Independent, Mid Argyll) said: “I am reluctant as it is my back yard, but we have to accept the proposal. When I think of the last time we had a full Minard Hall, nothing has come back on this. I have to compliment our officers on the fact you have changed the boundary, as that was a big issue at the public meeting we had.”

Graeme McMillan, the council’s transformation programme manager, told the meeting that if there was interest in the estate by the community, it is something that the council could look to move forward and work with any interested parties on.