Moray school's future under microscope
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Councillors will consider the future of a rural Moray school next week.
Inveravon Primary in Ballindalloch has been mothballed since 2017 when the five remaining pupils failed to return after the summer holidays.
Instead their parented decided to move their children to Knockando Primary more then six miles away, that shares the same head teacher as Inveravon.
Over the last four years there have been no requests to enrol pupils at the primary.
The future of a mothballed school is usually decided within three years, but the Covid pandemic has impacted on the ability to conduct public consultations.
On Wednesday members of the education, children’s and leisure services committee will be asked to support an options appraisal.
If the council decides to close Inveravon it will have to undertake a statutory consultation, and as there is a presumption against shutting rural schools.
Andy Hall, the council's learning estates programme manager, has prepared a report for Wednesday's meeting.
In it he writes: "The Inveravon community must have the opportunity to present alternatives to closure for the authority to consider.
"Therefore, as part of the options appraisal process, engagement with the community will be required to explore all possible options for the future of the school."
The school has been maintained as wind and water tight over the last four years, with regular inspections carried out.
Ballindalloch Estate owns the building and gave permission for it to be used as a school over a century ago. If it is shut for good the building will go back to the estate.
