OT Save Our School campaigners ‘encouraged’ by council visit
Save Our School campaigners on Luing are feeling “encouraged” after council chiefs visited the island.
With just one day’s notice, Argyll and Bute Council’s chief executive Pippa Milne, education director Douglas Hendry and head of service Wendy Brownlie met with islanders at the school that has been mothballed since Covid hit in 2020.
Campaigners insist mothballing the school building for longer, rather than moving towards permanent closure, is key to attracting more young families to come and live on Luing and securing a thriving future for the island that is working hard on plans that include affordable houses and creating more work opportunities.
Friday’s visit to see Luing Primary School for himself had long been promised by Mr Hendry and, despite the short notice, around 40 islanders including parents and children turned out to show the strength of support.
The meeting lasted about one and a half hours.
Save Our School lead campaigner Norrrie Bissell said:
“The questions, comments and answers were helpful and we felt encouraged by the meeting. It was friendly and we felt they were listening to us and understood our message. The whole island is together on this. Many thanks to everyone who attended. The Luing SOS campaign goes on.”
Earlier this month, heartshapes made on Luing were delivered directly to council chiefs and councillors at Kilmory HQ as part of the campaign. The hearts went on display in the members’ lounge
People of all ages on the island took part in the Have A Heart appeal, crafting their own heart-shaped messages to encourage decision-making officers and members of Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Services Committee, when it meets in June, to think again about pushing towards consultation on shutting the currently mothballed school forever. The council’s own priorities for 2022-2027 include taking action “to combat and reverse decline” and to “see the potential for thriving local economies” that support a rich mix of remote, rural and island communities.
Campaigners are now planning their next move and will be seeking a meeting with the council policy lead for education and chairperson of its community services committee, councillor Yvonne McNeilly.
‘We felt they were listening to us and understood our message. The whole island is together on this. The Luing SOS campaign goes on.’