Mike Pringle MSP Delivers High Schools Petition to Fiona Hyslop

10.25.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 25th Sep 2009

Edinburgh South Lib Dem MSP Mike Pringle has delivered a petition calling on the Scottish Government to back the City of Edinburgh Council and fund the renewal of James Gillespie's and Boroughmuir High Schools buildings to Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Fiona Hyslop.

Mike Pringle MSP presents the petition collected by him and Fred Mackintosh to Fiona Hyslop MSP

The petition - launched by Westminster Spokesperson Fred Mackintosh in July - has attracted widespread support from local residents, parents and pupils is the culmination of a local Liberal Democrat campaign spanning several months. It was available to be signed on-line at http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/ourhighschools

Mike Pringle MSP said, "After a two year delay, the Scottish Government finally announced its school investment programme I have been anxious that James Gillespie's and Boroughmuir should be among the first to benefit.

"The City of Edinburgh Council, the James Gillespie's School Council and the Boroughmuir Parent Teacher Association are completely behind the renewal plans. It is time for the Government to do their part."

Edinburgh South Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Fred Mackintosh said, "Parents, pupils and teachers at the two schools have become more and more concerned at the condition of the buildings. The situation at James Gillespie's has become so severe that in January a number of pupils had to be sent home when the central heating system failed.

"I am worried that if the situation continues the high standard of education consistently achieved at Boroughmuir and James Gillespie's will begin to suffer due to the poor quality of accommodation. I hope that the Government are prepared to take our concerns as well as that of the Council, parents, pupils, teachers and local residents into account when they are deciding how best to allocate schools funding."

Related Link:

The petition and comments from parents and pupils can be viewed online by clicking this link.