Thousands of children will be denied the opportunity to celebrate Perth’s flagship 800th birthday after an extravagant parade organised to mark the occasion was scheduled for 11.30am.
One furious teacher attacked the decision to hold the huge armed forces parade on Friday morning as “catastrophic.”
She described how pupils were heartbroken to learn they would miss it, despite spending weeks learning about the significance of Perth 800.
But a spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council defended the timing of the parade, insisting it had been fixed to fit the diary of participants, including guest of honour the Earl of Wessex.
Almost 1000 marchers from the army, navy, air force and marines will take part in Friday’s extravaganza, which has been billed as a “spectacular highlight” of the Perth 800 celebrations.
However, countless children who had hoped to attend are set to be disappointed.
“The timing of the parade is nothing short of crazy,” the teacher told The Courier.
“There have been Perth 800 events in schools throughout the region and yet pupils will not be able to go to this parade.
“The schools break up on Friday, but not until 11.30am.
“To organise the parade within school hours is staggering and just a catastrophic decision.
“I am utterly perplexed.
“I am really angry about this and think local kids have been badly let down,” she added.
However, a council spokesman said, “The date and timing of the Perth Armed Forces Day parade was influenced by the availability of the military personnel and pipe bands which will be involved, and also the diary of our royal visitor, HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex.
“The majority of the marching troops is provided by The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, which breaks up for leave on Friday before departing for operational training overseas.
“As such holding the parade at a later date was not possible.”