A COUNCILLOR has moved to ease fears over sites across Argyll and Bute which were listed in a budgeting pack as being ‘for disposal’.
Twenty-four sites across the council area were listed in a report by the authority, with the list headed ‘proposed asset disposals 2026-28’.
These included Luing Primary School, which is currently being mothballed by the council, as well as other former school sites.
Councillor Kieron Green (Independent, Oban North and Lorn) has assured concerned Luing residents that a recommendation will be made next month to continue mothballing the school.
The budgeting report will go before the council’s policy and resources committee on Thursday, February 19, ahead of the council setting its budget on Wednesday, February 25.
In an email seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he said: “Further detail on this will be provided when the report is presented to committee this week as it is already recognised that the manner of presentation may result in misleading conclusions being drawn.
“I reiterate that the position remains as set out at the last community council meeting with a report coming to the community services committee in March which will recommend a further extension to mothballing.
“As stated in my earlier email Luing Primary School is not being marketed or actively considered for disposal. It remains mothballed and available for educational provision to resume should there be sufficient demand.
“Ultimately council officers have to do their best to estimate what funds will be available to contribute towards the capital plan over the coming years.
“However, assets not being in current use does not equate to it automatically following that these will be disposed of in a set timeframe.
“Should a proposal be made to permanently withdraw educational provision at Luing Primary School this would be subject to standard statutory processes, including the ability for the decision to be called in by government if they are not satisfied the council has assessed the situation correctly.”
