The Liberal Democrats have released proposals for the future of secondary schools in Aberdeen which include the retention and refurbishment of Harlaw Academy.

This is great news for all of us who have been pressing for Harlaw Academy to be retained.

Every single person involved in the campaign, parents, pupils, the Parent Councils of Harlaw Academy and Broomhill, Kaimhill and Ferryhill Schools, SOS Harlaw, Community Councils and others deserves congratulations for the positive case that has been put forward on strong educational grounds to retain Harlaw Academy. 

I hope that the views just announced by the Liberal Democrats – and now by our colleagues in the SNP – emphasise that the consultation process was genuine. We have listened to the views of people across Aberdeen.

Whilst the positions of the Liberal Democrats and SNP are now clear, the Education, Culture and Sport Committee still needs to decide the issue. The recommendations of council staff (as opposed to the views expressed by councillors) which will be considered by the 28th October meeting of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee are due to be published later this week. The Education, Culture and Sport Committee meeting next week remains very important and I, for one, hope that many groups and individuals will still wish to make representations to the committee on the day to drive home our positive message about Harlaw Academy.

You will be able to view the council officers’ report here once it it published.