Two new teachers have been appointed at a remote Ross-shire primary school after an online recruitment plea from parents went viral.
Strathconon Primary School, located by a single-track road 13 miles west of Marybank, has doubled its pupil roll in three years, but suffered a staffing crisis after it lost its two main teachers last term.
Parents were concerned that their children’s education would be affected if the school had to rely on supply teachers.
John Hitchen’s appeal on a social networking site was shared more than 8,000 times and resulted in 29 applications for the posts.
His message on another social media site also went viral and was shared by national publications and groups, as well as politicians.
The appeal was alligned with Highland Council’s recruitment drive by promoting the beauty of the local area.
Kerrie Laird, the cluster head teacher of Strathgarve and Marybank primaries, who has been running the school, selected the two successful applicants.
New classroom teacher Ruth Wylie, who has been teaching at Dingwall Primary, starts next Monday, while Nicola Milne, currently working at Park Primary School in Invergordon, will start the following Monday.
Kerrie Laird said: “The campaign certainly generated a lot of interest and it was fantastic to get so many applications. I am sure the Parent Council and local community will warmly welcome the news that we have made the appointments and would like to join the pupils and I in welcoming Ruth and Nicola to our school.”
The previous head teacher at Strathconon school left in November last year and its main class teacher left at the end of last term.
Kerrie Laird was appointed on December 1 and a supply teacher who works at the school a few hours a week has provided cover in the meantime.
A total of 11 families provide the 22 primary pupils and two nursery children who currently attend the school.