Two schools and nursery set to close

TWO village primary schools and a nursery are set to close their doors for good. Councillors will next week be asked to approve the closure of Palnackie Primary, as well as Carsphairn Primary and Nursery. Carsphairn was mothballed in 2019, while Palnackie moved to mothballed status at the end of the 2024/25 term. Parents and communities connected to both locations have been involved in formal consultation processes, which are now proposing the buildings are shut. Reports will be presented at next Tuesday’s education committee. A public consultation meeting was held in Palnackie last September, attended by three council education officers, a representative from Education Scotland and 12 members of the community. An online survey drew six responses, with five of them supporting the closure. A council report states: “Council officers, having reviewed the representations, note of the public meeting and Education Scotland’s report; and having special regard to the alternatives to closure, to the community impact and to the impact of the travel arrangements; concludes that the proposal offers significant educational benefits and officers are still of the view that on balance the evidence supports the closure of Palnackie Primary School." It is proposed the catchment area is merged with Dalbeattie Primary School.

Meanwhile, councillors will be asked to sign off on the closure of Carsphairn Primary and Nursery, and realign to Dalry Primary and Nursery. A public meeting was held at Lagwyne Hall last September too, but was attended by just two people, while an online survey was filled in by nine locals, with eight supportive of closure. His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland is supportive of the Carsphairn closure, but issued a warning about future education provision. The HMIE statement reads: “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 and enjoy their educational experiences there. “Stakeholders are concerned about the falling school roll at Dalry Primary School. Should the proposal proceed, it will be important for the council to continue to work closely with the wider local community when planning for adequate and efficient school education in the area." If rubber-stamped by councillors, the three closures will officially take effect from April 27. The Scottish Government will be notified, followed by an eight-week period for the decision to be called in and reviewed by Ministers.