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Councillors in Moray will consider a review of the schools estate in the Buckie area to ensure a high standard of education and facilities is available to pupils.
Earlier this year a ‘Schools for the Future’ review was carried out by Moray Council officers, who audited the sustainability of primary and secondary schools in the Buckie Associated Schools Group (ASG).
It highlighted the unsustainability of four primary schools in the ASG, which are currently operating at less than 50 per cent capacity, as well as making recommendations for streamlining the school estate and making the best use of spare capacity in primary schools.
Today, members of Moray Council’s Children and Young People's Services committee agreed to consider a future review which Chair, Councillor Tim Eagle, reassured would not focus on school closures, rather making sure all young people have access to quality education and facilities.
“We’ve carried out Schools for the Future reviews in other ASGs, and Buckie is no different. What we’re looking to do across Moray is secure best value for the council, and provide the best learning environment possible. We will continue to fully involve staff, pupils and parents in any discussions which may take place in the future.”
Councillors also agreed to consider a new-build for Buckie High School in the future, which could see a joint campus with a new-build Cluny Primary School, along with nursery provision and a community hub.
A report to the committee noted that “although the school [Buckie High School] has been well cared for it is not a school for the 21st century”, with condition of the school at B standard, suitability at C standard and safety and security rated at D standard.
Currently at 75% capacity, the number of pupils enrolled at Buckie High School is set to soar, with 94% capacity forecasted for 2024.
MORAY Council has been selected as one of the first local authorities in Scotland to pilot walking netball.
Working in partnership with Netball Scotland, Moray Council’s sports development team will trial this new initiative in Forres from the start of September for five weeks.
A slower version of the game, which is suitable for all ages and abilities, walking netball is tailored to the needs of each participant. Newbies are welcome and a safe, comfortable and fun environment is guaranteed, as well as an outline of all the rules.
The hour-long sessions will run at Forres House Community Centre each Monday from September 4, starting at 9.30am. Joining in is free for Fit Life? members, or £3 a session for non-members.
Elections for Moray’s 20 community councils are now under way.
Nomination packs are available for prospective candidates looking to stand for any of the 208 seats available across the region. Larger community councils like Elgin and Heldon have up to 18 seats, while smaller ones like Dyke Landward have seven.
Community council members get involved in a range of issues from environmental projects and organising local events, to campaigning on local issues, conducting local surveys and organising public meetings.
Prospective candidates have until 4pm on Thursday 28 September to lodge nomination papers with the Returning Officer at Moray Council’s election office.
If more candidates apply than there are seats available on any particular community council, an election will be held by postal ballot during October.
Nomination papers are available on Moray Council's website, by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 01343 563334.
A busy section of road in Elgin will be closed to traffic for two days at the end of this month.
The closure of the level crossing at the Wards will apply from 8am to 8pm on Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30.
Diversions will be in operation via Wards Road, Station Road, New Elgin Road and Edgar Road.
Vehicular access to business premises at the Wards will still be possible from Edgar Road, but not from Wards Road.
The closure of the level crossing will enable Network Rail and their contractor BAM Nuttall to install services in connection with new signalling.
An application to build a coffee shop, wellbeing centre and manager’s flat as part of the development of Portgordon ice house was today given the go-ahead by planners.
The proposal, which was recommended for refusal by planning officers, received 48 letters of support and seven objections.
The applicant and supporters addressed a special hearing of Moray Council’s Planning and Regulatory Services committee.
Following the submissions Cllr Marc Macrae proposed a motion to approve the application, seconded by Cllr David Bremner. Chair of the committee, Cllr Claire Feaver, proposed the application be refused and was seconded by Cllr Amy Patience.
Cllr Macrae’s motion was carried seven votes to three. Voting for approval were Councillors Macrae, Bremner, Divers, Eagle, Edwards, Laing and Wilson. Cllr Donald Gatt joined Cllrs Patience and Feaver in upholding the officer’s recommendation to refuse.
An online tool has been developed to help voters in Moray find their assigned polling place.
The search facility is up and running ahead of the Moray Council elections on May 4 and the General Election on June 8.
The easy-to-use tool – which can be accessed at http://www.moray.gov.uk/pollingplace - enables voters to identify their polling place by entering either their home address or the elector number on their polling card.
There are currently 58 polling places across the Moray Council area and voters should be aware that changes to ward boundaries for the council elections may mean their polling station has changed.
