A FOLLOW-UP meeting is set to take place between council representatives and the cabinet secretary for education regarding the Mull Campus.
Argyll and Bute Council representatives met with Mairi McAllan MSP last month, regarding the planned new 2-18 campus on the island.
A site at Tobermory South was selected by the authority as a preferred site for the campus in March 2025. A judicial review raised by campaigners ruled in favour of the council 11 months later.
A councillor appealed to be part of the follow-up meeting during discussion at a meeting of the council’s Oban Lorn and the Isles area committee on Wednesday, September 9.
Tracy Mayo, chair of the Mull Campus Working Group, said: “How were the views of the community represented in that meeting, and the rights of the child discussed, along with the human rights explainer, as part of the meeting?”
Councillor Kieron Green (Independent, Oban North and Lorn) responded: “The cabinet secretary requested the meeting with the council about this issue. It was an opportunity for the council to brief the cabinet secretary as to the status of the project and steps that the council is undertaking.
“It was not fair for us to be raising points made by third parties to the cabinet secretary, so the human rights explainer was not brought up.
“My understanding is there will be a further meeting on a date to be finalised, to which a range of stakeholders including community representatives and the council will be invited, as well as parliamentarians.
“That might be such a time for that material to be brought to the cabinet secretary’s attention.”
Ms Mayo said: “It is disappointing that the human rights explainer was not mentioned. I do respect there is a further meeting and councillors are asking questions about the current statutory consultation process, but I have concern as to how the narrative of the community is being presented, particularly the views of children.”
Councillor Amanda Hampsey (Reform UK, Oban South and the Isles) then said: “You mentioned a follow-up meeting with the cabinet secretary on the Mull Campus.
“As I am sure you will understand, as a Mull councillor, I was most disappointed not to be invited to attend the previous meeting. Are you aware if the invitations will go out to all Mull stakeholders?”
Councillor Green said: “The meeting is being called by the cabinet secretary and it is entirely within her gift as to who she invites to that meeting.
“My understanding is it would include representatives from the council, community and parliamentarians, but would not include ward councillors.”
Councillor Hampsey responded: “My presumption, based on past experience, is they would usually ask the council for advice on appropriate members from within the council to give invitations to.”
In a statement after the meeting, the council said: “Engagement is set to continue with a discussion bringing together national and local government representatives, and wider stakeholders.”
