Tried to steal car
A Perth and Kinross councillor says pupils in the region are better prepared this time round for remote learning.
Conservative councillor Caroline Shiers convenes PKC’s lifelong learning committee and has praised the “targeted effort” to support vulnerable families in the region.
Almost 1000 digital devices are being made available to pupils to help them work from home.
Home schooling started again yesterday and will last until at least February, although there were some national issued with Microsoft Teams.
Cllr Shiers told the PA the effort by everyone working in Perth and Kinross schools had been “first class.”
She said: “A second lockdown is not something any of us wanted to see happen but what has been really encouraging has been the detailed planning and creativity from the executive director of education Sheena Devlin and all her staff.
“The support of everyone from head teachers, teachers and school staff has been first class in planning for this eventuality and, despite the tight timescales and the Christmas break, there has been a huge amount of work put in to support for children, young people and their families for the return to learning.
“There has also been a targeted effort on support for our more vulnerable families over the period since March last year and that has continued right through Christmas and will continue for as long as needed.”
Cllr Shiers praised the delivery of over 950 new iPads, laptops and probooks to local schools for pupils and thanked the IT teams involved in setting everything up digitally, calling them the “unsung heroes of this period.”
She said: “They have provided the software, hardware and technical support which is allowing us to develop and deliver so many crucial services.”
Cllr Shiers said her own family have struggled with internet issues and this is something the Blairgowrie and Glens councillor has raised with colleagues in both the UK and Scottish parliaments.
She said: “It is fair to say that for those of us who have had to struggle with rural internet connections then working and learning at home has been a challenge.
“I know boosters and mobile devices have been made available to help some families to access better connections and I have spoken to families for whom this
A brazen Perth thief tried to steal a car from outside a country cottage while the owner worked on another vehicle in his garage.
The blue Volkswagen Polo was parked at Rangour Cottage, in Methven’s Sauchob Road, and its headlights were being used to illuminate the Land Rover.
But the 49-year-old owner suddenly heard the car engine revving and saw it“moving backwards,”Perth Sheriff Court was told.
“Realising Graham Lynch was attempting to steal it, he opened the door, grabbed him by the jacket and told him to get out,”stated depute fiscal Sarah Wilkinson.
As the accused attempted to get the vehicle in gear, he was partially pushed out of the Polo but he then threatened the owner.
He shouted:“Do you know my family? We’ll come and sort you out.”
As he made a series of further threats, Lynch, now of Strathtay Road, was manhandled to the ground and restrained as the police were contacted.
When officers arrived on the scene, he was“face down, with his hands behind his back, being restrained by civilian witnesses,”added Ms Wilkinson.
Lynch, previously of Grampian Court, Crieff Road, had a four-month restriction of liberty order imposed when he appeared for sentence.
He will be tagged and have to remain indoors from 7pm-7am for the next eight months.
He admitted attempting to steal the Polo from Rangour Cottage on November 16, 2020.
He also acted in an aggressive manner and uttered threats.
He was subject to two September bail orders at the time.
Solicitor Pauline Cullerton said her client had gone to the cottage to ask for direction after he had been“put off”a bus.The lawyer added:“He suffers from PTSD and is also bi-polar.”
She said Lynch was struggling with his mental health and had attempted suicide three or four times.