Consultations on possible realignment of school catchment areas in Elgin got under way at Bishopmill Primary School this week.
Moray Council are hoping that parents will fully understand the need to take urgent action as four of the town’s six existing primary schools are expected to exceed their capacities in the next few years.
East End, Seafield, New Elgin and Bishopmill primaries are the main overcrowding concerns but the catchment areas for both Greenwards and West End primaries would also be subject to revision.
Parents and teachers gathering at Bishopmill were told by council officials that there was the very real possibility of having to bus children out of town to Dyke or Rothes unless action over the issue was taken. They heard that rezoning was intended as a temporary measure with plans being formed by the local authority to build two new primary schools in the town.
However, worried parents expressed their concerns over the plans, with several voicing fears that their children might end up attending separate schools from their brothers or sisters.
Consultations are set to continue until May 29 with an online survey also available for concerned parents and guardians to have their say on the issue.
The next consultation meeting is set to take place at New Elgin and Ashgrove Hall at 7pm on Thursday, while another opportunity will take place in the Elgin Town Hall on April 27 at 2pm and 7pm.