Eyesore concern forclosed schools

Perth and Kinross Council has been urged to not let old school buildings turn into “eyesores” in light of a decision to close a mothballed primary school last week.

The decision to close Forteviot Primary School was made at the lifelong learning committee meeting on Wednesday, October 31 with no protest from councillors.

However, Councillor Xander McDade and Councillor Kathleen Baird voiced their concerns at the meeting if the Forteviot building were to be abandoned.

Cllr McDade said: “It’s sad anytime we have to close any school and particularly a rural school.

“I think there is an onus on the council to ensure that these buildings do not sit for years and years to become derelict.

“I urge the council to find uses for these buildings to ensure that they don’t become eyesores and blots on the landscape.

“I think we have a number around Perth and Kinross already that we will be looking to find uses for those buildings and I hope we will do so in Forteviot as well.”

Convener Councillor Caroline Shiers said in response: “I am well aware of the frustration of a community when a building has sat for so long.

“I am delighted that our officers are working with the communities to progress with some options. We have very active officers who work with communities which I welcome because it has dealt with many issue before that have become a problem for local communities.”

The report recommendations were approved saying that: “It is recommended that the decision is made to implement the proposal that education provision at Forteviot Primary School be permanently discontinued with effect from June 28 2019, or as soon as possible thereafter; that the pupils of Forteviot Primary School catchment area permanently receive their education at Forgandenny Primary School from July 1 2019, or as soon as possible thereafter.”