AN island primary school is set to remain mothballed for a further year under proposals to be put to councillors.
But Argyll and Bute Council officers have reported no formal requests from the community to use the Luing Primary School building, which has been empty for over five years.
The council has mothballed the building since December 2020 due to a lack of pupils attending the school. A proposal to formally close it was rejected in March 2024.
That means no further such proposals can be brought forward for five years under the Schools Consultation Act (Scotland) 2010, unless there is a “significant change in the school’s circumstances”.
The school was included in a list of sites for possible disposal as part of the council’s recent budget pack, however this was later confirmed to be a mistake.
The latest update on the school’s mothballing process will go before the council’s community services committee at its meeting on Thursday, March 5.
Executive director Douglas Hendry said: “The school building whilst unoccupied, will continue to deteriorate over time. As the Luing Primary School building is of a significant age, officers also expect ongoing maintenance to be required in order to preserve the fabric of the building.
“Current maintenance costs for 2025/26 are in the region of £12,500. If the school was to be re-opened, then a full building inspection would be conducted.
“Last year’s reported reinstatement costs uplifted to reflect industry standard price increases would be in the region of £45,000, however, recent storms have necessitated remedial works to the external building fabric.
“Continued exposure to severe weather conditions may lead to further deterioration, resulting in additional costs for repairs and maintenance.
“In the period since temporary closure commenced, there have been no formal requests from local community groups to use the school building. Officers anticipate that this may mainly be due to the fact that there are already several community spaces situated on the island.”
Mr Hendry added: “Whilst Luing Primary School remains temporarily closed, pupils residing in the School’s catchment area have been rezoned temporarily to Easdale Primary School.
“Parents of children who reside on Luing who attend Easdale Primary School are generally satisfied with the quality of education that their children receive there.
“Parents attend ‘Learning Together’ sessions and assemblies each term during the school day. They provide positive feedback and enjoy seeing how their children are learning.”
Councillors are recommended to agree to continue mothballing for a further year, with the next review due in March 2027.
