Last week Mark attended a public meeting on the future of Royston School which is under threat of closure by the SNP/Lib Dem City Council.

There was a good turn out though the local councillors from the ruling SNP/Lib Dem coalition were conspicuous by their absence. Parents and staff made impassioned speeches against the planned closure. A number were proudly wearing T-shirts saying ‘Give Mr Hunter [the Headteacher] a chance’ which had been sponsored by local businesses.

Mark made a speech strongly backing the campaign. He stressed that smaller schools have a lot of advantages to offer in particular when it comes to pupils with special needs.

Malcolm Chisholm and local councillor, Cammy Day, also made strong speeches in support. Malcolm pointed out that much of Edinburgh’s population growth over the next few years would be in the local area and given the difficulty that there might be in selling off the land this seems a very short-sighted move on the part of the council.

There will be an opportunity to make the case directly to the Council’s Education, Children & Families Committee at 9am on Tuesday, 8th September at the City Chambers. This is hardly the best time for parents who have to take their children to school as the Councillors taking the decision must know. Nevertheless, hopefully as many people as possible will be able to make it to make their views heard in support of the school.

For a report on the future of Fort Primary School which is also under threat of closure, click here.