Representatives from the 5 Midlothian schools faced with closure under the Council's plans to offer new
teaching and learning environments, last night met to co-ordinate their campaign.
Meeting in Cousland, representatives from Borthwick, Temple, Howgate and Cranston Primary schools discussed
the Council's plans under the Strategic Asset Management Report which is out to consultation until April 16th.
Following the meeting Dr Billy Lumsden, School Board Member at Cousland said:-
"The clear message coming from last night's meeting was in relation to both the negative impact on our
communities, and the speed with which the Council appears to be railroading their closure plans. The fact that
the last 2 weeks of the consultation falls within the Easter break, when all schools will be closed and many
parents away, raises fears that there is more than meets the eye to the reasons the Council is giving for earmarking
these schools for closure.
"Each school on its own merit has strong grounds to contest the proposals and collectively we want to make sure
that all Councillors who will be involved in the decision making process are fully aware of the correct facts.
The report currently out to consultation contains many inaccuracies. There also appears to be absolutely no
consideration given to the quality of teaching, which is currently very high at our rural schools.
Jim Murray, chairperson of Cranston School Board commented:-
"It is of real concern that where Councillors and Education officials have met with local School Boards or
support groups recently, those most affected by these proposals are left with more unanswered questions than answers.
To allow people to make an informed choice, I would urge all rural communities in and around the schools to unite and
use the public meetings to seek clarification on all the factors influencing the Council's proposals to close the
schools which lie at the very heart of each community.”
Notes to News Editors
- Midlothian Council announced in the Midlothian Schools Strategic Asset Management – Primary and Nursery report,
at the special meeting on 26 February, its intention to consult to close Cousland Primary School along with Howgate,
Cranston, Borthwick and Temple Primary Schools.
- Public meetings will be held at 7.00pm on the following evenings:-
- Penicuik High School - 22nd March (in relation to Howgate)
- Greenhall High School - 23rd March (in relation to Borthwick and Temple)
- Dalkeith High School - 25th March (in relation to Cranston and Cousland)
For further information please contact:
Billy Lumsden on 01506 508 256 or 07808713867
