Councillors have voted to decide the fate of a mothballed Aberdeenshire school this summer, amid warnings that it could be closed permanently due to zero demand for pupil places.
Strachan Primary, which has a 50-pupil capacity, struggled for years with low numbers before being boarded up in June 2017.
And as no parents have signed up their children for the 2019-20 session, it will remain shut for at least the next year.
Yesterday Aberdeenshire Council’s education committee met to discuss the school and agreed that a decision on its future would be taken in August, which could mean its doors are shut permanently.
It comes as the authority called for the public to come forward with more ideas for the building – and among those put forward already has been that it be transformed into a gin distillery.
A spokeswoman for the council said: “Extensive work has been done to assess the viability of reopening Strachan School as a school, ensuring educational benefit to any pupils and alternative local provision.
“Councillors have acknowledged an options appraisal following extensive engagement with the local community.
“They also noted the final deadline for members of the community to submit any further suggestions for the facility by June 14.
“Given that we have not managed to attract any new pupils to enrol at the school over the last two intakes, it will remain mothballed for the time being.
“Any alternative use for the facility cannot be progressed unless it is permanently closed as a school.
“A report will be considered by councillors in August as to whether to begin a formal statutory consultation on its potential permanent closure.”
