Strathconon Primary School wins Highland Council mothball reprieve as families move to area
A CLOSURE threatened rural school whose roll had dropped to just one pupil has been granted a reprieve because more families have moved to the area.
We reported earlier this year how Strathconon Primary School was set to be mothballed by Highland Council - despite a lavish refurbishment which is the envy of many other primaries.
However it has now emerged that the stunningly set primary has been granted a reprieve - for now, at least - and will remain open for the next academic year.
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Highland Council’s principal education officer Derek Martin makes clear the change of status in a letter to parents and carers.
It states: “I write regarding the status of Strathconon Primary School for academic session 2025-26.
“Discussions have taken place regarding whether or not to mothball Strathconon Primary School from August 2025, due to a falling roll to one pupil.
“Following these discussions, the anticipated roll for the school is now expected to rise to five pupils, as families move into the area. The council has decided that the school will now remain open for the next academic year starting in August.”
However he adds: “The council may, however, revisit this issue in the event the school roll falls again.”
Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain had previously spoken in forthright terms over the issue lamenting “a total waste of both money and facilities” over the saga.
He warned that mothballing schools in remote areas would harm the longevity of rural communities.
He said: “Every time I visit this school, I am struck by the top-of-the-range facilities which would be a fantastic addition to the Highland school arsenal.
“I cannot help but question why, having already invested £1.7 million, we are mothballing the school. The removal of infrastructure from remote communities in this way will only accelerate rural depopulation, which is a huge problem in the Highlands.”
It’s a development that will be watched closely by campaigners hoping to keep Edderton Primary School open.
It has seen numbers dwindle to just two expected pupils for next year’s term and had been earmarked for closure by Highland Council if it couldn’t increase its roll.
Local councillor Jim McGillivray is amongst those fighting to keep the school open and has tabled a motion set to be considered on June 2.
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