'Staffing emergency' caused cancellation of sport for Inverness youngsters
A "staffing emergency" at Highland Council led to the cancellation of sporting activities for dozens of Inverness youngsters at the weekend.
Children, parents and coaches were left disappointed by the development after being told to vacate premises and pitches at Millburn Academy without warning.
Several local primary schools were planning to use the all-weather pitch, including youngsters from Cradlehall and Duncan Forbes – who still managed to carry out a pre-arranged friendly fixture for some younger players before older children were ejected.
It is believed the Highland Bodokan Judo Club was also not able to complete its planned training session at the school on Saturday morning.
A coach for Cradlehall Primary football team said he received complaints from parents about the situation.
It is understood the matter was also raised by the team with the council, which has increased access fees in recent years.
A council spokesperson said: “Due to a Highland Council staffing emergency and in accordance with Mears [a housing and care provider] health and safety policy, scheduled lets at Millburn Academy were cancelled on Saturday, February 17.
“The Highland Council apologises for the inconvenience caused to those impacted by the cancellation. Any let bookings at Millburn Academy for Saturday, February 24 are scheduled to resume as normal.”
