High School equipment rumours are rubbished

Nov 20 2009 by Katy Gordon, Strathearn Herald

ARDVRECK School has squashed rumours it received the “most and best” equipment from Crieff High School.

Rumours in the town claimed that the preparatory school got first pick of equipment and furniture from the now vacant school during a two day clear out. Locals were outraged to hear this, as they felt state schools were missing out to private schools who have more funds.

However, both Ardvreck and Perth and Kinross Council have denied this, stating that the school didn’t have access until the Tuesday, a day after other schools in the area.

Peter Sutton, Headmaster at the school, was quick to clear up the misunderstanding and explained that the school became interested after two staff members read in the press that anything that wasn’t uplifted by groups and organisations would be disposed of.

He went on to say: “The two members of staff went to view on Tuesday afternoon by which time the majority of the surplus educational furniture had already been earmarked, quite rightly so for the local primary schools.

“There seemed to be an excess of examination tables and some science laboratory tables on the third floor which no-one else appeared to want and these are the pieces of furniture which we identified would be good for the Ardvreck teaching community. We identified who we were to the Councillor on duty and were warmly welcomed and followed all the necessary protocols.

“We have written to the Head Teacher at Crieff High School to thank her for the classroom desks and wish her and all her pupils and staff well at the new Campus.”

A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson confirmed: “Monday was set aside for PKC’s Education and Children’s Services to go in and claim what they wanted. That happened as scheduled.

“Tuesday was set aside for community groups to come and claim what was left over. Ardvreck turned up on Tuesday afternoon as a community group and were allowed in.”

Peter Sutton concluded: “We greatly value our links with the local community and it always gives us great pleasure to welcome community groups such as the Crieff Archery Club and the local Burns Society to use our facilities.

“We are particularly delighted when we are able to play sporting fixtures against the other schools in the area and we look forward to further offering our facilities to the local community by continuing these links in the future.

“In turn it is always a great privilege for Ardvreck to support local community events such as attending regular worship at Crieff Parish Church, supporting such successful events as the Year of the Child, having our Pipers play during the Drovers Tryst Celebrations and taking part in the Crieff Rugby Club Sunday fixtures.”