By Graham Brown

EASSIE SCHOOL youngsters enjoyed an impromptu party yesterday to celebrate the reprieve granted by Angus councillors to the 14-pupil primary.

Threatened with closure for the second time in three years, the single-teacher school is to be retained after education committee members voted unanimously on Tuesday to keep it open.

Local campaigners had mounted a determined fight against the prospect of closure following a council decision to go to formal consultation on the issue.

For 10 of the 14 pupils on the roll, it was the second time they had faced the prospect of their primary closing and all the youngsters’ delight was shared by head teacher Carol Andrews.

Yesterday she treated the children to cake as part of what will now be a happy run-in to the end of a session that might have seen the Eassie doors shut for good.

“We are obviously very glad that the school is staying open—it has been an unsettling time for the children and staff,” said Mrs Andrews.

“The pupils are now jubilant that their school is staying open.

“We had scheduled a whole-school meeting for today and the single item on the agenda was the future of Eassie, so the pupils are very pleased with the decision.”

Mid-Scotland and Fife Tory MSP Murdo Fraser, who has lodged a member’s bill proposal in the Scottish Parliament which calls for a presumption against the closure of rural schools, also welcomed the Eassie outcome.

“Angus Council has listened to parents and the local community and has come to the right decision,” he said.

“Eassie Primary School is so important to the local community and I applaud the parents and campaigners who have worked so hard to ensure that the school stays open.

“Eassie has been under threat in the past, along with other rural schools in Angus. I hope that this decision means that Eassie Primary does not have to face any uncertainty again.”

Mr Fraser added, “Throughout Angus, rural schools are an essential part of the community and if they are lost then this will be a death blow to the future health of these communities.

“Over the years, many rural areas have lost local services, such as the filling station or the post office.

“I believe that rural schools must remain to ensure the long-term viability of our rural communities.

“The school building is not just there to educate youngsters—it is used outwith school hours as a focus for community life.

“When the school closes, young families are no longer prepared to go and live in the area, and young families who are already there move away to be closer to where the schools are.

“That is why we must ensure Eassie and other rural primary schools in Angus are guaranteed to stay and serve the community,” he said.