Petition to halt Highland Council bid to move janitor from Smithton Primary to nearby Duncan Forbes Primary in Inverness
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AN Inverness community has rallied round to keep their school janitor from being “stolen” after 18 years.
An online petition calling on Highland Council not to move David Aitchison from Smithton Primary to nearby Duncan Forbes Primary next term has attracted more than 260 signatures.
And some parents made the point that “amazing” janitors like “Mr Aitch” do much more than care for the building, and are often an invaluable link between the youngsters and parents and teachers, especially in these stressful Covid times.
The petition, supported by members of the community council, states: “David Aitchison has been an integral part of Smithton School and community for 18 years, the children adore him, along with us parents.
“But it has come to our attention that Highland Council plan to switch the janitor posts between Smithton Primary and Duncan Forbes Primary, so this would mean losing Mr Aitchison.
“This is a devastating and unacceptable move by Highland Council. So now more than ever can we please all come together and show our support and get this petition signed and shared far and wide.”
Many supportive comments have come in.
Susie Robertson said: “David is such a huge part of Smithton Primary and all the children and parents adore him. The kids have had enough upset over the last couple of years so please save our jannie!”
Kirsty Allan said: “Smithton wouldn’t be the same without David. He is kind, caring, funny, hard working and loyal. It’s not the same without him. My daughter started at Smithton a few months ago and David made her feel so welcome and looked out for her. She misses him and often asks: ‘When is David coming back?’”
Robert Lee said: “I’m not surprised everyone would be devastated if he were moved from his current position. No thought for the community. Shocking!
Kellie Kesson said: “This gentleman has been an amazing pillar of the community and Smithton Primary School pupils.”
Mr Aitchison said he knew about the petition but could not comment.
A Highland Council spokesman said: “We do not comment on personnel matters. However, our facilities management staff are contractually employed to cover associated school groups (ASGs) which relate to specific cluster of schools in a particular area.
“Janitorial staff are deployed from time to time in line with their contract to ensure business needs are met.”
