Campaigners seeking to ensure a future for Milne’s High in Fochabers have launched a poster competition for children they hope will be future students at the school.
Milne’s High has come under threat from a sustainable education review being undertaken by consultants Caledonian Economics on behalf of Moray Council.
While the local authority insist that no decisions have been made over the future of any schools in the region, the Fochabers school is the only secondary named in consultation documents as a closure candidate.
That sparked the formation of the Save Milne’s Community Action group and a 2000-signature being handed in to the local authority.
Moray Council ordered the review last year when it emerged that £70million was needed to bring the existing Moray school estate to an acceptable standard. Consultants have drafted a plan that would see a ‘super campus’ arrangements grouped around key secondary schools in the region.
Save Milne’s Community Action has held several public meetings and drawn widespread support within the community. Now they are pledging to keep up the pressure on Moray Council who will consider the consultancy report and public consultations later this year.
A spokeswoman said: “We are launching a competition for all children under the age of 12 and under to design a new poster for our Save Milne’s High School campaign.
“The winning design will receive a voucher for Fochabers Ice Cream Parlour, very kindly donated by Sheila Gray.
“For the adults we also have a prize for the best SMH ‘selfie’ or photo – a bottle of whisky.
“Children can hand in their designs to the ice cream parlour with their name on the back and a parent contact telephone number or parents. They can also scan and email their child’s design to savemilneshigh@gmail.com – or take a photo and send into this FB page.
“However, if they do send in a photo or scan we ask that they remember to keep the original. All designs need to be in by Friday 18th July.”
The group has also produced a number of wristbands and window stickers supporting the campaign – these are available in local shops throughout Fochabers.