Responding to public claims by The Highland Council that they had “no notice” of his planned visit to Dunvegan Primary School on the 15th March, Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said:
"It is unfortunate that my planned – and agreed - visit to Dunvegan Primary School has been overshadowed by unnecessary disagreements over process.
“My office had first contacted Dunvegan Primary as far back as the 8th January about a visit, and the 15th March date was agreed directly with the school on the 6th March.
“In those calls between my office and the school, it was made clear that both myself and the local councillor would be coming along for what would be only a brief visit to allow me to see for myself the condition of some of the buildings.
“I am therefore disappointed that The Highland Council are maintaining their claim that no visit was arranged. There was, and it was arranged directly with the school with 9 days' notice. Any issues Highland Council has over this is an internal matter for them.
“My concern is that the decision to cancel the visit was not taken in Dunvegan at all, but in Highland Council HQ in Inverness.
“Given the real concerns of parents and staff over the condition of a number of Highland schools, something I’ve previously highlighted in Parliament, I am surprised that the Council appears so focused on trying to dispute the legitimacy of my planned visit.
“Meanwhile, my priority will be to continue to push both the Scottish Government and The Highland Council to ensure that the resources are in place to make the improvements needed to the Highland school estate that will allow pupils and staff to learn and teach in safe and conducive environments.
"I will also be looking to visit Dunvegan Primary School at the earliest opportunity and look forward to this being accommodated by Highland Council”.
ENDS
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