A community is being urged to speak up to save their sporting facilities amid fears they could be sold off.
Laurencekirk residents have been left furious after it emerged that the playing fields at the former Mearns Academy could be sold off, despite still being in use by pupils and the community.
The pitches are currently used for rugby, archery and cross country.
It is understood there is not enough space at the new community campus for the sports – despite the local community being told their facilities would be replaced “like for like”.
Now residents are furious that their local councillors, who argued for the playing fields to be retained, appear to be being ignored by Aberdeenshire Council’s policy and resources committee, which is examining the future of the site in consultation with SportScotland.
Last night, Mearns Community Council vice-chairman Chris Rushbridge said: “When the new school was built it was supposed to be like for like. We were told we weren’t going to get anything extra, but would get the same as the old one.
“The playing fields in the old school are suitable for rugby and football, but there’s not a full pitch in the replacement school.
“We want the council to keep the old playing fields.”
Councillor Jean Dick said: “The community is angry about this, and rightly so.
“The council is reneging on like for like facilities. There is nothing for rugby or athletics.”
Fellow Mearns councillor George Carr added: “We have encouraged parents to write to SportScotland to make the case to retain the pitches.
“Space at the new community campus is at a premium. I’d urge people to write to SportScotland as soon as possible.”
A spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “The council has considered reports on the future disposal of Mearns Academy including the associated pitches. As yet no decision has been taken regarding the future use of the pitches.
“There is some feasibility work in advance which then has to report to committee, which will involve consulting with SportScotland on the level of playing field provision in the Laurencekirk area.”