The campaign to save the only secondary school in Moray under threat of closure from the Sustainable Education Review is set to stage a massive rally in support of their cause.
Proposals by consultancy firm Caledonian Economics will see Milne’s High School closing along with several rural primary schools if they are accepted by Moray councillors at a crunch meeting on 3 November.
If the recommendations are accepted then pupils at the Fochabers school would need to travel to the new Elgin High School.
Now members of the Save Milne’s High School Community Action Group will take to the streets on October 26 – and are asking people to turn out in school colours to show their support for retaining the school.
Douglas Potter, chair of the action group, said: “It seems to have been overlooked that with the recent announcements from Moray Council proclaiming a population increase to over 100,000 that both the schools in Elgin are likely to be at capacity almost before the pain is dry on the new Elgin High School.
“This is acknowledged by many of the councillors and takes no account of any proposed migration of children from Milne’s High School.”
Mr Potter pointed to plans by the Scottish Government to dual the entire length of the A96 – making the catchment area for Milne’s High become a highly desirable commuter area.
Helping to organise the rally is Lisa Farley, who said: “Early indications show strong support for the rally – our aim is to send a very strong message to our councillors that they listen to public opinion.”
Support for the protest has come from Richard Lochhead MSP, who will address the rally. He said: “I have been invited by the campaign to address the community and it is my intention to be there alongside my constituents to support their right to have their voices heard loud and clear.
“No one can fail to be impressed by the campaign being conducted in such a dignified manner by the local community.”
Supporters are being asked to gather at the Fochabers Cricket Club and Mosstodloch Scout Hall from 1pm on Sunday, October 26.