State of Highland schools 'unacceptable' – MSP blasts 'dire circumstances'

Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston today questioned the Scottish Government over the number of pupils currently being taught in schools that are not of "good" or "satisfactory" suitability

The Scottish Conservative MSP was following up on concerns raised with him over the condition of some primary schools in the region and on the impact that could have on children’s education.

Mr Halcro Johnston said 64 primary schools across the Highland Council area alone were rated in poor condition, and highlighted the case of Dunvegan Primary School on Skye where issues over damp, mould and flooding incident had been raised with him.

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In response, Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said nearly 12,000 pupils across the Highlands and Islands region were being taught in schools not of a “good” or “satisfactory suitably”.

Mr Halcro Johnston said: "After 15 years of SNP Government, this is a startling and unacceptable figure.

“As Scottish ministers in Edinburgh continue to squeeze council budgets across Scotland, one of the most serious consequences is that too many children are now being educated in substandard school buildings.

“The lack of proper funding from government is raising serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of some children in their school environment, and parents and residents are understandably worried about the impact this is having on their children's education and future prospects.

“In the Highland Council area alone, less than 1 in five primary schools are ranked as being in good condition, and so it is no surprise that the Highlands have the lowest levels of both literacy and numeracy at primary 1, 4 and 7 across the whole of Scotland.

"It is unacceptable that our schools are facing such dire circumstances, and it is essential that the Scottish Government works with local councils to ensure the necessary improvements are made to school facilities.

"Our children's future depends on the quality of education they receive, and an important part of that is ensuring they can be taught safely in the best possible learning environments."

The full exchange can be seen here.

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