Hutton Primary takeover talks can start

THE path has been cleared for a community group to take over Hutton Primary School.

Hutton Community Initiative has expressed an interest in striking a community asset transfer deal with Dumfries and Galloway Council for the building, which was closed last year, writes Marc McLean.

Based at Boreland, Hutton Primary has been declared surplus to requirements by the council.

At Annandale and Eskdale Area Committee on Wednesday, it was confirmed that no other community groups have come forward – paving the way for Hutton Community Initiative members to develop their takeover plans.

Colin Freeman, the council’s principal estates and assets management officer, said: “The ward officer has identified that the North Milk Community Council doesn’t have an interest in it.

“The Hutton Community Initiative do have an interest and have put in an expression of interest under the CAT process.

“If members do identify any other community groups I’ll reach out them and explain what the process of disposal looks like, and how they can access that process.”

Council leader Gail Macgregor said: “I’m not aware of any other interest, and I know that the Hutton Initiative are doing a power of work at looking at what can be done with the old school, and the site around it. We should engage them.”

Hutton Primary had been mothballed for three-and-a-half years due to low pupil numbers. Pupils and teaching staff were amalgamated with Applegarth Primary.