LETTERS: ‘The whole Highland education system needs an overhaul’
Highland pupils are now “at a disadvantage when applying to university or college” as new figures show attainment has fallen for pupils in S4 to S6, often reflecting lower results against the national average as well as against comparable local authorities.
Ross-shire Journal readers took to social media to share their thoughts.
Lauren Junor said: “Is it any wonder, when pupils missed out on months of education with the schools being shut down. Also, the schools either don't have all the teachers they require, or they're constantly changing, so no consistency with the teaching of the subjects.
“In my opinion, the whole education system and how it is run, needs an overhaul, including the exam process.”
A Tain author’s book, Last Witch of Scotland by Phillip Paris, which is about the last person in Britain to be executed for witchcraft has been named Waterstones Scottish Book of the Year 2024.
Our readers took to the Ross-shire Journal Facebook page to share their opinion.
Federica Stefani said: “I was just telling my mum last night how much I hope this book is translated into Italian soon — if it has already please let me know!
“Well done to Philip Paris, and indeed would recommend the book.”
Julia Johnson-Fry commented: “Great book! I was pleased to meet him too when he signed my copy in the Dornoch Bookshop!”
Stacie Anne Smith added: “Amazing love his stories he’s an awesome writer, the last witch of Scotland is my favourite read.”
Verity Walker said: “So chuffed for Philip, it is an excellent read.”
Axeing the final local presenter from MFR has swept away the “last vestige of it being any kind of community station”, it’s founding chief executive Thomas Prag fears. The shocking announcement triggered columnist Nicky Marr to share her thoughts, as a former presenter for the local radio station.
Ross-shire Journal readers took to social media to share their thoughts.
Annie-Marie Wallis commented: “Not often I agree with Nicky Marr but her article this week hit the nail on the head. I loved MFR in its early days, appeared on it raising funds for some charity and the presenters were like friends. Everyone I knew listened to it even my old Aunt who wouldn't know one end of a pop song to the other. A great loss which has been creeping up over the years. Don't know of anyone who listens now.
Tanya Pokorniecki added: “So let's start a Highland radio station. Someone, somewhere, HELP.”
Ian Land said: “This is the end of MFR as we know it! Jodie was the last local presenter and once she goes that’s it! I think Someone needs to setup another local radio station! We need something that’s for our area and not daily traffic reports about roads outside Glasgow and Edinburgh etc! Sad times for everyone! Gonna miss Jodie in the mornings.”
Greg Blackley commented: “Gave up on MFR years ago. One by one everything went south, now goes the last.”
Might as well close MFR and call it the same as Edinburgh. Surely a few needed houses could be built on the site.”
