An MP is to hold a public meeting into the future of Perth and Kinross schools amid allegations of politicking and grandstanding.
Perth and North Perthshire SNP MP Pete Wishart has hit out at what he describes as an “assault” on Perthshire schools by the Conservative administration and will host a public meeting to discuss the estates review at the Royal George Hotel in Perth on Wednesday October 4 at 7pm.
The administration has responded by pointing out that it was the former SNP-led council that instigated the review.
It is currently in the midst of a review of education across Perth and Kinross, with the future of ten schools currently under consideration.
Closure of each is one option though there are a number in each case – including retention – and the council has been at pains to stress no decisions have been taken.
Individual consultation events and drop-in sessions are taking place at each school.
Mr Wishart said: “Parents across Perthshire are becoming increasingly concerned at this Tory administration’s cack-handed and chaotic approach to its school review.
“Closure options are now in place in from popular city schools to fragile village communities.
“The Tories ‘price of everything, value of nothing’ approach to this review overlooks the vital role village schools play in their communities.
“Very often they are the last amenity within these localities and the venue for so much of village life.”
Mr Wishart said he hoped to see all interested parties join him at the meeting, particularly members of affected parent councils.
The attacks upon the administration have been criticised by Conservative councillor and education convener Caroline Shiers who has attended all the consultation events to date.
She pointed out that under the SNP there had been three rural school closures – Struan, Strone of Cally and Straloch.
Ms Shiers said: “The process which Mr Wishart now raises concerns about was begun last November by the SNP administration.
“Is he now saying they were wrong? He made no comment at that time. To grandstand on the issue now, when he was silent previously, smacks of political opportunism.
“The reality is that some of our buildings, despite substantial investment in other areas of our school estate, are in need of investment and it is right and proper that we take the opportunity to have discussions with our communities about future educational needs and building requirements.
“SNP councils elsewhere in Scotland are doing exactly the same. I would again encourage anyone with an interest to attend the public events and see the options being put forward and make their views known.”
Mr Wishart said in response: “’It is every council administration’s responsibility to constantly keep its school estate under review but the chaotic and shambolic way this Tory administration is prosecuting this process is alarming both parents and communities alike.
“From getting numbers wrong concerning school roles to threatening closures in fragile rural areas, the way in which the Tory administration is approaching this issue is something that should concern Perthshire communities.
“It is now responsible for delivering services and all the issues that go with this very serious obligation.
“I make absolutely no apology in standing by communities who are fighting to save their schools from this Tory administration.”
Phase one of the estates review considers the futures of Abernyte, Balhousie Primary, Blairingone, Braco and Greenloaning, Forteviot, Logiealmond, Methven, North Muirton and St Ninian’s Episcopal primary schools.
