YOUR VIEWS: Anger at Highland school funding decision delays
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Anger at school funding decision delays
We read that the Highland Council has the highest percentage of any local authority with school buildings classed by a recent Scottish Government assessment as ‘poor’.
At the last Highland Council meeting the SNP-led council resolved to send a formal letter to the Scottish Government demanding a decision on the five Highland schools that have been proposed under the Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP). A decision had been expected last November, and despite constant chasing nothing is being heard. There was palpable anger in the chamber at this delay.
Inverness has seen a massive population growth, yet funds have not been available to enlarge existing schools and build new ones resulting in severe overcrowding. We are suffering from structural problems at two schools and even a red mite infestation at Charleston Academy, significant investment requirements are needed for the existing schools estate.
Eighty percent of council budgets are provided by the Scottish Government, and two decades of their underfunding has left our schools in a parlous state. The Highland Council has borrowings of over £1 billion, there is a substantial need for capital investment and it is only the Scottish Government that can provide it.
We need education secretary Jenny Gilruth to come up from the Central Belt and focus on the urgent needs of Highland schools.
Angus MacDonald, Liberal Democrat Highland councillor, and Westminster candidate
Academy Street plans change again
I truthfully think that this is one of the most disastrous ideas that Highland Council has thought about. I visualise it will turn into the death of Academy Street as has happenened to High Street. All the shops have virtually disappeared and it’s left cafés, pubs and ‘tourist attractive’ shops.
The council don’t have far to look to see what’s happened in Dingwall and similar places outwith the Highland area. It just needs a look at the pedestrianisation of the Main Street in Paisley, which is now dead and this in turn has an knock-on effect to the other local stores, as will happen, for sure, in Inverness.
What effect will this have on public transport? I am an 86-year-old pensioner and depend on public transport. Is this going to involve changing bus stops and making greater distances for the elderly to walk. The bus service in Inverness is presently totally inadequate (when it comes) and there are many other things that Highland Council need to address, such as potholes, before spending money on Academy Street.
Mrs M Toole
Does Inverness need another 10-pin bowling alley?
I WOULD say no we don’t need another 10-pin bowling alley. Rollerbowl has been there serving the public for 30 years. Surely the businessmen should look at other fun action areas that Inverness hasn’t got.
Lorraine Reddick, Inverness
