Public invited to discuss state of Moray's school buildings
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People are being invited to discuss the state of Moray's school buildings during a series of 'drop-in sessions' starting later this month.
At present, 25 primary and six secondary school buildings fall below the standards required by the Scottish Government.
This means more than 53% of pupils in Moray are currently learning in premises deemed below-standard.
Moray Council, back in December, approved a learning estate strategy which is aiming to develop solutions.
The council states it has no specific proposals at this stage.
However, it adds, that the initial focus is likely to be on Buckie, Elgin and Forres where a need for extra school places has been identified,
It states another priority will be schools with significant maintenance issues.
Sonya Warren, who chairs the council's education committee, said: "We fully recognise the need to make improvements to our learning estate so we’re able to provide a sustainable education service aiming for excellence.
"Detailed proposals will be developed for each area, and meaningful consultation and engagement with communities will play a huge part in deciding what each of these projects will look like.
"I strongly encourage coming along to one of the sessions for more information, to ask any questions you may have, or to find out how you can get involved in future projects."
Due its largely rural nature Moray faces extra issues when it comes to schools.
In 2013 the council commissioned a team of consultants to look at how education was provided in Moray.
Their report the following year recommended a major shake-up.
This included closing or merging up to 10 smaller primary schools, and building two large new ones – the first on the coast near Buckie, and another in the south west part of Forres.
The report also suggested closing Milne's High in Fochabers, and dividing its pupils between Keith and Elgin.
However, widespread public protests followed the publication of the report.
These focussed not just on education, but also on the wider impact that closing schools might have on rural communities.
Ultimately, the consultants' proposals were not adopted by the council, which instead put a five-year freeze on the question of shutting any.
Scottish Government figures from September 2020 rated the condition of Moray's school buildings as the worst out of all 32 local authorities.
Only three out 53 buildings were classed as being in a 'good' condition, while more than half were deemed 'poor'.
The local authority with the second worst set of figures after Moray was Highland Council.
Dates and times for the drop-in sessions:
- Buckie Library, Monday, February 21, 11am-7pm
- Cullen Library, Tuesday, February 22, 6pm-8pm
- Elgin Town Hall, Wednesday, February 23, 10am-7pm
- Keith Community Centre, Monday, February 28, 11am-7pm
- Forres Library, Tuesday, March 1, 11am-7pm
- Lossiemouth Library, Wednesday, March 2, 5pm-8pm
- Burghead Primary School Library, Thursday, March 3, 5pm-7pm
- Dufftown Library, Tuesday, March 8, 10am-noon
- Fochabers Library in Milne's High School, Tuesday, March 8, 5pm-8pm
- Rothes' Grant Hall, Wednesday, March 9, noon-5pm
- Aberlour Library, Thursday, March 10, 2.30pm-7.30pm
If you’re unable to attend but would like to comment, email learningestate@moray.gov.uk
Alternatively, call 01343 563374 and leave a message with your name and number.
