Struggling Highland parents have been left hundreds of pounds out of pocket as they await refunds on school trips cancelled due to coronavirus.
Most were cancelled more than two months ago as it became clear the country would be in lockdown for some time and social distancing would persist.
Parents, many of whom have been hard hit by the pandemic and its impact on family life and jobs, have been waiting for the money to be returned so it can be spent on their children in other ways or prop up their finances.
Now they and local councillors are asking searching questions and directing stinging criticism towards Highland Council, describing the delay as “ridiculous”.
Highland Council prepares ‘Plan A, B and C’ to ensure readiness for schools return
The authority has said it understands the disappointment of parents but a spokeswoman said the issue was being taken forward on a school-by-school basis and complicated by efforts to reschedule some trips and issues over insurance.
And they have admitted it may be weeks before some parents can be provided with any clarity.
Sharon Fraser, whose daughter Summer attends Inshes Primary School, is still waiting for the return of £320 she paid for a trip to Nethy Bridge for outdoor activities that never took place.
Mrs Fraser said: “In the current climate there are parents out there who will really need the money.
“For ourselves, we just want it back so that we are able to do something nice for our daughter.
“The kids have gone through so much themselves and have been so good that they deserve some kind of surprise or something nice.”
Mrs Fraser has been in contact with local councillor Ken Gowans to highlight the issue and says some parents have become unsure if they will ever get their money back.
She added: “The school has been fantastic. They have been asking Highland Council for answers too but are also getting nowhere.
“We are still none the wiser. They cannot answer where the money is and why we have not got it back yet.
“I don’t understand why it has taken so long. There is a total lack of communication and we shouldn’t have to be asking for our money back.”
Councillor Gowans said action should be taken as swiftly as possible.
“This is ridiculous at a time where parents could really do with the money due to the financial constraints of Covid-19,” he said.
“Parents are again caught in the middle and it is outrageous they are still waiting on the money, which they paid in good faith.
“I appreciate it may be very complex but it is incumbent on the council to refund parents’ money as soon as possible.”
Highland Council said it understood the “disappointment” with a spokeswoman adding that the local authority is assessing the situation in each school for potential rescheduling of trips, or by issuing refunds from providers or insurance cover.
She said the issue was “complex” adding: “We are aware that many families are still awaiting clarity on a refund for trips which were cancelled, and unfortunately, in all cases, this has not been possible to resolve prior to the start of the school holidays.”
The spokeswoman thanked parents for their patience, adding: “We aim to provide clarity to parents as soon as possible on schools’ return in August.”
