A nursery in the grounds of a Sutherland school has staved off closure threats following pressure from the local community.
Last week, The Press and Journal reported that Brora parents believed Highland Council had “quietly” gone about its business in preparing to close the nursery.
Under the proposed plans, the eight children who use the facility were facing relocation to the Care and Learning Alliance (Cala) operated Stepping Stones facility – which is also on the site of the primary school – and merged with the local playgroup.
But after a show of parent power, the council’s chief executive confirmed Brora will not be closing.
Yesterday local councillor Deirdre Mackay praised the actions of the community to ensure the facility remains open.
She said: “This is really a victory for the community and truly is a tremendous result.
“We have received assurances from the chair of education and the chief executive that the nursery will not close.
“The whole thing should never have happened in the first place. There are processes to follow and if these had correctly been followed, the whole thing would have been a non-starter.
“The community must be praised, however. They got together very quickly to voice their concerns and I must pay tribute to the group of mums who mobilised so quickly.”
In a letter issued to parents and carers of the nursery, Highland Council’s chief executive Donna Manson confirmed: “Brora Nursery will not be closing” adding that she “sincerely” apologises for the upset caused and that she takes “full responsibility” over the matter.
