UPDATE: Inverness school survey 'to collect insights' and inform school improvement plan

Highland Council has responded to reports primary pupils were asked about their sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Mail Online said a pupil survey also asked youngsters at Merkinch Primary if they have ever laughed at or been unkind to someone because they are gay or transgender.

A Highland Council spokesperson said this afternoon: “The purpose of the voluntary and anonymous pupil survey was to collect insights on pupil wellbeing which will help to inform the wider school improvement plan.

"Participating pupils from Primary 1 to 4 took the survey home to complete with an adult and Primary 5 to 7 pupils were able to complete independently in school.

"Responses were recorded as tick boxes but for some questions participants had the option to share any additional information if they chose to do so.

"The school engaged with parents and carers to collect their feedback and shared the anonymised results at a parents’ evening for discussion.”

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