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Education chief fears council won’t have enough cash to improve schools

Councillor Martin Greig at Marischal College.
Councillor Martin Greig at Marischal College.

Aberdeen’s new education convener admits there are “enormous challenges” when it comes to realising his vision for the city’s schools.

Councillor Martin Greig has been speaking ahead of a new report which will examine the state of schools.

The school estate plan will shine a light on the bricks and mortar that pupils across Aberdeen sit in on a daily basis.

It is due to be published imminently ahead of next week’s meeting of the new education committee since last month’s council election.

Students sitting at desks.
The report on schools is due to be published on Tuesday.

Mr Greig, who is the convener of the council’s education operational delivery committee, admits he wants to improve schools throughout Aberdeen.

But he said cost is a “huge issue” for the local authority.

Will take years to improve city’s schools

Mr Greig said: “It is always good to build new schools and make improvements in individual areas, but the quality of the school environment shouldn’t depend on where you live.

“Our aspiration is that all communities will have the best possible schools.

“It will take years for us to develop and enhance school buildings but at least we are now making a start on that crucial journey.

Aberdeen Councillor Martin Greig.
Councillor Martin Greig is the city council’s new education convener.

“In opposition we wanted the school estates plan to start years ago. The city needs a strategic vision in which the council aspires to provide quality of provision.

“It is not good enough to single out specific areas for attention and that is why the plan is so important.

“It will give us the ability to oversee the whole school estate and with that broad understanding, it is possible to identify an action plan.”

‘Huge pressures’ on public purse

Mr Greig admits that finding the cash for major upgrades and building new schools is going to be tough.

He said that it will be a “challenge” to find the money to match his ambitions.

Mr Greig said: “Cost is going to be a huge issue. There are huge pressures on public sector budgets now and in the coming years.

“Very careful and balanced financial planning will be essential in order to make the right decisions for each school.

“There are enormous challenges in matching our aspirations to resources.

“The school estate strategy will be a long term plan and we will do our best to provide the best quality of school.”

The front of Hazlehead Academy.
Hazlehead Academy could be replaced.

Commitment to new Hazlehead Academy

A new Hazlehead Academy was one of the priorities set out by SNP candidates ahead of the election.

This commitment has been carried through into the partnership agreement between the SNP and Liberal Democrat councillors.

Mr Greig, a Lib Dem, said there is a “pressing need” for the building to be torn down and replaced.

He said: “We have identified Hazlehead and Countesswells as the most pressing need for attention.

“Sustainable building is necessary, not just for environmental reasons but also for the long term economic efficiency that arises from the use of sustainable energy.”

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