Youngsters have left their school for what could be the last time.
Longhaven Primary School, near Peterhead, broke up for the Easter holidays yesterday – just days after parents were told there are not enough staff members to reopen next term.
The children will now go to other nearby schools – prompting fears in the community that Longhaven may be mothballed.
And yesterday, youngsters and parents were unhappy about the situation.
Last night Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin – who previously described the council’s handling of the matter as a “shambles” – again demanded answers on their behalf.
She added: “The community has expressed real concern about the sudden decision to close Longhaven Primary.
“Parents and pupils need answers on how it has come to be that they have been left without any teachers, and why a head teacher applicant withdrew his application on the day of interview.
“Aberdeenshire Council must also answer why parents have been given only one week to find a new school before Easter break. It is clear that the handling of this issue has been insufficient and has not been communicated to the parents early enough.”
North East MSP Peter Chapman dismissed suggestions the school would be permanently closed and said the council was doing everything it could to employ new staff.
“This will obviously have been a difficult time for the parents and children involved,” he said.
“I have spoken to senior education officials and have received assurances that efforts to recruit a new head teacher are very much ongoing.
“In the meantime, places will be found at other schools. I understand that Port Errol, which is less than three miles away, can accommodate more pupils.
“It must be stressed that there are no plans to close this school.”
Vincent Docherty, the council’s head of education, broke the news to parents last Thursday.
He said: “While we regret the inconvenience, it’s important that we find an educationally beneficial solution for all concerned.”
The pupils ended yesterday trying to make the best of things with a small party at the local village hall.
A spokeswoman for the parents said: “We’re trying to make today fun, for our last day of term – perhaps last day ever.
“We were informed yesterday that there was definitely no 11th-hour placing of staff, so we do indeed have to start at new schools after the Easter holiday. It took us all right up until yesterday evening to be sure which schools to choose.
“I think we’ve all chosen well for our own kids’ needs at such short notice, but it’s sad that they’ll be separated between three different schools.”