SAVE ULVA PRIMARY SCHOOL, ISLE OF MULL THE HEART OF ITS COMMUNITY

We, the undersigned, are strongly opposed to the proposal by Argyll and Bute Council to close Ulva Primary School.

We believe that there is no educational need to close this small school, located in a remote part of the Isle of Mull. It provides an excellent standard of education and already delivers the Curriculum of Excellence.

We believe the implications on the local area in closing the school would be disastrous. There would be no reason for young families to remain in the area or for new families to move in.

We do not believe that closing the school will save money. There would be extra transport costs in getting the children to another school. Extra teaching staff would be required at the receiving school.

3 part-time jobs will be lost within the immediate area if the school is closed.

We believe the Hill Road from Torloisk to Dervaig is not suitable for primary school transport. It is often closed in winter. It is not gritted as it is considered unsafe for the drivers of the gritting lorry. Because of the geography of the area, there are no safe alternative routes within the prescribed journey times.

The school is more than just a school, it is the heart of the community, and the only public building between Dervaig and Salen.

Without the school, this small, vulnerable and scattered settlement would lose its focus. Ulva would lose its identity and the children, along with the community to which they belong, will suffer.