Options discussed for new Strath school site
Perth and Kinross Council is exploring two different options to build a new primary school in Braco.
In October 2016, PKC decided to mothball Greenloaning Primary School due to a dwindling school roll.
It was permanently closed in June 2019 and pupils in the Greenloaning catchment have been educated at Braco Primary School since then.
But the suitability of Braco Primary School for this purpose was rated as ‘poor’ by PKC and the council proposed refurbishing both Braco’s school and village hall to improve the learning environment.
And the local authority has since said an initial feasibility study has found this not to be cost-effective.
As a result, the council is now exploring two different options to build a brand-new school.
It is understood pupils would be decanted to Greenloaning Primary School during the construction process.
A PKC spokesperson said: “Work is ongoing to determine the best solution to improve the suitability of Braco Primary School taking account of the approved principles for securing the future of the school estate.
“An initial feasibility study into a refurbishment of the school concluded that this would not be a cost-effective option.
“Further work has been commissioned to determine whether a new build school would be feasible with two possible options being considered.
“The two options being explored include a new build on the current school site and a new build on the land behind the village hall.”
Perth and Kinross Council leader and Strathallan ward Conservative councillor Murray Lyle said: “I am pressuring council officers to try to come up with a conclusion.
“I and others had lobbied for a new school but it has taken longer than normal.
“We hope to have a solution in the not too distant future but I am aware of the frustrations of some members of the community.”