Save Our Schools go to the Scottish Parliament

Save Our Schools campaigners took their case to the Scottish Parliament in an attempt to overturn Glasgow City Council’s decision to close 11 primary and nine nursery schools.

The LOCAL NEWS joined parents from affected schools on their trip to Edinburgh on 14 May to seek support for their cause from MSPs.

There was a party atmosphere on the train, with parents singing songs and chatting to commuters about the closures.

On arrival at Waverley station, it was a quick march down to the Parliament with banners flying. The group was met by Robert Brown MSP who had booked a committee room. Other MSPs in attendance were Patricia Ferguson, Sandra White, Paul Martin, Bob Doris, Anne McLaughlin, Ron McWilliam and Bill Kidd. Frank McAveety also attended, but did not participate. At the meeting, Bob Doris stated that he would ask the Parliament’s education committee to examine the issue. Paul Martin said that a petition on the matter would be heard on 16 June. Bill Kidd considered that a judicial review would be the best way to reverse the decision, specifically a legal challenge on aspects of the consultation process, such as the erroneous information in the documents and the failure to provide the consultation documents in languages other than English.

One of the parents pointed out that Bellahouston Primary school was 75% multi racial, so the accessibility issue was particularly important for parents with children there.

After the meeting, MSPs went to the chamber for the regular Thursday session on First Minister’s Questions.

Parents and supporters gathered outside the Parliament building, where they cheered, waved banners and chanted to show their continued determination to fight the school closures.