Historic school closed next term

Friday 29 June 2012

A PRIMARY school attended by one of Scotland's most famous writers will not reopen after the holidays after no pupils enrolled for next term.

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Parents fear the final bell has sounded at tiny Ettrick Primary in Selkirkshire, which dates back to 1725.

James Hogg, author of The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner, began his education at the school.

Scottish Borders Council has confirmed the school will not re-open in August. Director of education Glenn Rodger said: "At this stage no decisions have been made regarding the long-term future of the school. Any proposals put forward by the council would be subject to a full public consultation."In the past five years, the school roll has dwindled from 12 to what would have been one child for next year, but that child is moving to Kirkhope Primary.Chairman of the school's parent council, John Davidson, said: "It's sad but it's inevitable, unless somebody decides to build a village or three or four families move into the area. "It's more about the wellbeing of the children, they need peers and I don't think it would be fair to send one child to a school."The council has been very supportive. They haven't pushed for closure. But you can't have a school if there are no pupils."

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Historic school closed next term

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