The Isle of Mull, the fourth largest Scottish island, finds itself at a critical juncture. With a sprawling area of 338 square miles, the island faces a divisive debate over the location of a new multi-million-pound secondary school. Currently, the island's solitary high school is located in Tobermory, its most populated town, and also includes a nursery and primary school. However, this setup presents significant challenges for families residing in the south of the island, as their children must travel to the mainland town of Oban for secondary education and reside in hostels during the week.
Argyll and Bute Council has proposed constructing a new replacement school in Tobermory, but this plan has not been without controversy. The proposal could potentially strip Tobermory of its early years and primary educational provisions due to the "like-for-like" funding model. As the council deliberates on the location for this new educational facility, residents express concern that the decision could disrupt community dynamics and affect local businesses.
"Building a new 2-18 campus on Mull is Argyll and Bute Council's single biggest investment estimated at £43m." – Argyll and Bute Council
The council has narrowed down four potential sites for the new school and has recommended Tobermory as the preferred location. Despite this recommendation, many islanders hoped for a "split option," which would allow both a central high school and a new primary school with a nursery in Tobermory. This alternative, however, was deemed too costly by the council.
"Following extensive community engagement and detailed assessments, Councillors will consider a report recommending a preferred site on 27 February with a motion already tabled to hold a special meeting to consider the issue on 7 March." – Argyll and Bute Council
Families from the southern part of the island advocate for a centrally located school, such as one in Craignure, home to the main ferry port and hospital. This centralization would alleviate the burden of sending children away to Oban at just 11 years old—a sentiment shared by many islanders who seek equality in educational access across Mull.
"For me, what I am seeking is equality across the island for all children whether that's primary age, early education or secondary students." – Rebekah
"One key aspect of that is the secondary school being centrally based, so all the children can attend and no child has to be put in the position of choosing between education and family." – Rebekah
The dilemma is personal for many families. Jude, a student affected by the current setup, voices concerns about losing valuable school time due to long travel distances.
"I do worry that because I have to travel so far, I have less time in school." – Jude
Similarly, Amy Simpson emphasizes her family's deep-rooted connection to Mull, expressing a desire to remain part of their community despite educational challenges.
"We love our life here, we have become an integral part of our community. We don't want to leave and we don't want to take our kids out of this community, this is where they were born and where they are growing up." – Amy Simpson
The council's decision also raises concerns for foster carers like Rob Claxton-Ingham. He worries about the impact of transitioning foster children to a distant mainland school at such an impressionable age.
"As a foster-carer, our child has faced separation and loss already from her birth family and has had to transition to us as her substitute carers. The thought of her transitioning again at the age of 11 to a school, over the sea, where she has to get a ferry, where she won't get our day-to-day support, is hard." – Rob Claxton-Ingham
Marion MacLean underscores the potential economic implications for Tobermory should it lose its primary school. She fears it would diminish the vibrant community atmosphere currently bolstered by having children present during school hours.
"Tobermory can't lose its primary school. It would have a huge impact on the businesses on the high street, and I think we would lose that community feel of having the children around the town during the day." – Marion MacLean
The council initially scheduled a vote on the high school's location for February but postponed it until 7 March. As this date approaches, residents remain vocal about their preferences and concerns. The decision will undoubtedly shape future generations on Mull, making it imperative for stakeholders to consider all perspectives.
