More than 2000 people have signed up to support attempts to save a Moray secondary school from closure.
The local community is rallying behind a petition raised to fight off any suggestion that Milne’s High School in Fochabers should be closed as part of Moray Council’s plans to create ‘super schools’ around the region.
Milne’s High is one of several schools being considered for closure in a study launched last year after it was revealed that £70million would be required to bring existing education establishments up to standard.
Councillors will vote later this year on the proposals which have been out for extensive public consultations. The sustainable education review has suggested closure of the Fochabers school and if it is accepted pupils would have to travel further on a daily basis.
A Save Milne’s High action group has been formed and is behind the petition. Local councillor Sean Morton commented: “The sustainable education review is still in its early stages and the consultants have yet to present us with their recommendations.
”However, clearly people are anxious and the whole Milne’s community has rallied in just the way I knew that they would.
”The school is incredibly important to our community and, as a former pupil, I understand the strength of feeling – the huge campaign is a reflection of that.
“From the outset I have made it clear that I will look at each recommendation from the independent consultants with one thing in mind: does it help educate our young people?
“If any recommendation fails that test it will not have my support – that is my promise to people at home and around Moray.”