Carsphairn Primary up for grabs

COMMUNITY groups are likely to be offered the chance to take over a primary school that was closed earlier this year. Carsphairn Primary, which had been mothballed since 2019, was shut for good in February after Dumfries and Galloway councillors rubber-stamped the move. Education chiefs have now declared the school building “surplus to requirements”, according to a report prepared for next week’s meeting of the education, skills and community wellbeing committee. A council report on Carsphairn Primary, which is due to be tabled at next Tuesday’s education committee, reads: “The council hold title through a feu charter granted by Mrs Charlotte Tilke McAdam in 1905, and in 1994 the former Regional Council recorded a disposition in favour of themselves over the remainder of the school site. “Should members agree to declare Carsphairn Primary School surplus to the requirements of the education, skills and community wellbeing directorate, then the council’s disposal and acquisitions policy/procedures will be followed, with the next step being to invite the Strategic Asset Board to declare the property surplus to the requirements of the wider council and dispose of the asset.” If the Strategic Asset Board declares the school as surplus to requirements, the next steps in disposal would be inviting community groups forward who may be interested in acquiring the asset. It is understood that a community group called Carsphairn Learning and Development Committee (CLaDC) are interested in acquiring the building through a community asset transfer (CAT) deal. The group, which has applied charitable status, has expressed ambitions of fully renovating the building inside and the playground outside, and would like to offer holiday clubs to allow children to access different sports and activities, along with weekend and evening youth groups with fun activities. Council chiefs held a public consultation with local residents last year on the future of Carsphairn Primary and Nursery. A survey filled in by nine locals showed that eight were supportive of closure, while one was against. His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland (HMIE) supported the Carsphairn closure, but issued a warning about future education provision. The HMIE statement read: “Children from the Carsphairn catchment can continue to benefit from a curriculum design that supports their rural location through attending Dalry Primary School. “Children are settled at Dalry Primary School and enjoy their educational experiences there.”