A Moray farmer fears he may have to resort to breaking the law to complete the school run on snow-covered roads.
Alastair Nairn, who runs a farm at Braes of Glenlivet, believes using his tractor to transport children to the school bus pick-up point may end up being the rural community’s only option.
However, it is illegal for youngsters under the age of 13 to be transported in farm vehicles.
Seven children have been affected by the decision to downgrade the gritting priority of the road leading to the farm and the family homes.
The move means the route will only be treated in the evenings and not necessarily before school in the mornings.
Mr Nairn said: “I don’t think parents will allow their children to miss a lot of classes. They will do whatever they can to make sure they get there – even at the expense of their own jobs.
“It’s been suggested that I could take the children to the end of the road in my tractor if need be, which is illegal.
“I may have to do it, but I resent breaking the law just so that Moray Council can save a few pounds.”
The changes were implemented as part of a review of the council’s winter services, which will save a total of £89,000.
The local authority ruled out revisiting the decision at a meeting of the full council last week.
However, Moray MP Douglas Ross has written to the chief executive to urge further consideration after visiting the farm himself yesterday.
He said: “We’re not even anywhere near the worst of winter yet and there’s already been a lot of disruption in that area after a lorry got stuck this week.
“I know the full council didn’t debate it last week but I think circumstances have changed and it’s important to look at what has happened since the first fall of snow.”
Council leader George Alexander has already ruled out revisiting the decision until next year.
He said: “We will monitor how often the children miss school and if it proves to be a problem we will look at things again.”
