Kilchrenan Primary School pupils to move to Taynuilt

Seil Island Winter Festival enjoyed a fun-filled art and storytelling day, thanks to funding from the Corra Foundation.

Awakening your inner dragon was the day's theme with two workshops focusing on emotions, feelings and stories hidden within, said one of the organisers Rachel Stroud.

A dragon adventure with Corelo Production’s stories and music attracted 19 children and their parents on the morning of Saturday January 15 and after a snack break and a trip to the beach, the group led by contemporary Dutch artist Nelleke de Noo created art inspired on the stories and the treasures they found on the shore.

Later in the day, six adults had the chance to learn from artist Nelleke de Noo for their own afternoon of art and reflection.

Kilchrenan Primary School parents and education officials have decided to move its six pupils to Taynuilt from Valentine's Day.

Headteacher Graham Dickie is no-one is in line to replace him.

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: ‘Kilchrenan Primary School currently has six pupils with no pupils starting in August.

‘The current headteacher is retiring with no successor in place.

‘Taking these factors into consideration parents, in collaboration with the council, have taken the decision to move pupils to Taynuilt from February 14.

‘A paper is being prepared for the Community Services Committee to outline the details and options moving forward.’

Oban North and Lorn Councillor Elaine Robertson said: ‘It is always very sad when a local school is no longer operational, both for the families and the community. I am pleased to hear the support staff will also transfer to Taynuilt primary. Taynuilt Primary School has an excellent reputation and having familiar retiring and people and support transferring with them will ease the transition for the children.’

Last summer, plans to mothball Achaleven Primary School at Connel were recommended for approval.

Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Services Committee heard a report in June recommending the school shut temporarily because it would have no pupils that August.

The report also recommended that this June the Community Services Committee reviews continuing to mothball it or starts consulting on future options, including permanent closure.

Last June, there were eight pupils at the school. Four of them were moving to Oban High School, one family was leaving the area and families of the other three children had decided to send them to Lochnell or Dunbeg primary schools.

All the staff were deployed, except the janitor who stayed on. The council said the community could keep using the school for events.

Luing Primary School has also been temporarily mothballed until June 2022 – because it had no pupils.