By Steven Bell

THE REMAINS of a former half-time school at the centre of a long-running planning saga have been cleared from a weed-infested yard in Dundee and taken into storage.

Concern at the fate of the listed structure, part of a jute mill complex on Shepherd’s Loan in the west end, had been expressed by Historic Scotland, the guardian’s of the country’s built heritage.

It was demolished after planning consent for another development was granted in the late 1980s—with the condition that it be rebuilt—but rubble from the building was left in a nearby yard.

The yard was recently deemed an eyesore and, after attempts to have its owner clear it up failed, the local authority took action.

Local councillor Fraser Macpherson confirmed, “The planning and transportation department advises me that the stones and trusses of the former half-time school have been stored by D. J. Lang, who were sub-contracted by Dundee Contract Services.

“The work to remove the items dumped at High Mill was carried out by Dundee City Council under its planning enforcement action powers.

“Residents tell me they are pleased that the site is being returned to its original state.”

The cost of tidying the yard—branded an “unsightly dump” by a Scottish Executive Reporter—will be billed to its owner, believed to be a Brussels-based property developer.

Historic Scotland said recently that it hoped the rubble which made up much of the mess could in the future be used “as per the planning permission” to rebuild the school.

The organisation voiced disappointment that the listed building had not been re-erected, in historic building terms and also for Dundee.

All the stonework was numbered at the time of demolition, and plans have been mooted over the years to create a restaurant, offices or a house.

The school has been described as “part of the west end’s cultural background.”

At the beginning of the last century, children of 10 or 11 who were able to pass an educational and medical test could be employed in the mills as half-timers until they were 13, the then school leaving age.

Some attended school for half the day and worked in the mills for the other half. Others spent one day in the mill and the next day in school.