SNP councillors demand more information from Highland Council on plans to reopen schools

SNP councillors have called for more details about Highland Council's plans to reopen schools next month.

Inverness councillor Ken Gowans requested a special meeting to discuss the topic but he lost a vote at today's Inverness city committee meeting.

It came after Paul Senior, the council's executive chief officer for education and learning, failed to appear at the committee to give a verbal update despite councillors being told he would address them.

Councillor Gowans said: “It is unbelievable that councillors, who are supposed to represent their communities, voted down an entirely sensible motion to hold a special meeting focussing on the school recovery to provide further clarity and re-assurance for parents and pupils before the schools return on August 12.

“Many parents are deeply concerned about returning to school and what measures will be put in place to ensure the ongoing wellbeing and educational arrangements for pupils.

“I had no option but to seek a special meeting through the council standing orders. It is ridiculous that we have to go to this length to do what we were all elected to do – represent communities.”

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