Perth’s SNP group have defended their proposals to give the new primary school to be built in North Muirton a new name to match.
Planning for the school moved forward last week and the party proposed a new name for the school, which will house pupils from Balhousie’s catchment area too.
Residents in North Muirton have racked up around 80 signatures on a petition to retain the existing name.
Group education spokesperson councillor John Rebbeck said: “If the new primary school was a direct replacement for the current North Muirton Primary then, of course, the new school would continue to be called North Muirton Primary.
“The new school will encompass pupils from the areas of North Muirton, Muirton and potentially all the way into the Atholl Street end of the city centre. The new school will also see the existing pupils of North Muirton and Balhousie Primaries coming together as one new school community.
“As such it is our belief that the new school should not automatically be called North Muirton Primary, though many discussions about the naming of the school will be had in due course and I don’t think anybody would have any problem with Muirton or North Muirton being incorporated into a new name if it was felt appropriate.”
No names for the school have been finalised yet.
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “The new primary school will bring two schools together as one, and as such, it is important that this school has its own identity, including a new name and uniform.
“This was agreed at a meeting of the Lifelong Learning Committee last year.
“We will work with pupils, parents, staff and the wider communities to establish the identity, ethos and culture of the new school and instil a sense of pride and ownership within the community when the schools opens.
“We hope this identity takes account of the legacy of both North Muirton Primary and Balhousie Primary schools, and is truly representative of both communities. We will announce our plans for community engagement at the appropriate time in the process.”
