The Aberdeenshire Council met on Thursday 30 April 2026 to discuss the Corporate Improvement Plan and the proposed closure of Tullynessle School. The council agreed to permanently close Tullynessle School and reassign its catchment to Keig School, and also approved updated guidance for the temporary closure of primary schools and early learning and childcare settings.

Corporate Improvement Plan Update

The council received a biannual update on the Corporate Improvement Plan, which consolidates Best Value, self-evaluation, and governance improvement actions. Director of Business Services, Mr. Rob Simpson, introduced the report, noting that the majority of actions within the plan were complete, with a small number of transformation actions remaining. These remaining actions, related to the 24-25 Best Value Transformation Action Plans, were scheduled for completion by the end of June 2026.

Council Co-Leader Councillor Stewart Adams expressed satisfaction with the progress, highlighting that only four actions were still being progressed. He commended the officers for their efforts in coordinating and delivering the plan's actions. Council Co-Leader Councillor Anne Stirling seconded the motion, praising the work of officers and the Audit Committee for their scrutiny. She noted that a new action plan would be introduced relating to the recent Best Value Council audit and the Asset Management Plan. The council agreed to consider and comment on the Corporate Improvement Plan and agreed to the revised action dates for the four transformation actions, extending them to 30 June 2026.

Consultation Report Regarding the Closure of Tullynessle School

The council considered a report on the statutory consultation process undertaken regarding the proposed permanent closure of Tullynessle School. Director of Education and Children's Services, Mr. Laurence Findlay, introduced the paper, outlining the consultation process, feedback received from pupils, parents, staff, and the wider community, as well as the independent assessment from His Majesty's Inspectors of Education (HMIE).

Mr. Findlay noted an error in the report regarding transport for out-of-zoned pupils, clarifying that only pupils previously zoned for Tullynessle School would receive transport to Keig School. The report concluded with a recommendation from Education and Children's Services for the council to permanently close the school and reassign its catchment area to Keig School.

Councillor David Keating, Chair of the Education and Children's Services Committee, moved that the council approve the recommendations. He emphasised that the decision was the final stage of the statutory consultation and highlighted the HMI report, which agreed that closure would deliver educational benefits and that Keig was the appropriate receiving school. Councillor Colin Simpson seconded the motion, agreeing that the consultation process was thorough and transparent, and that the educational case was clear.

Councillor Gwyneth Petrie, a local councillor for the Tullynessle area, spoke with a heavy heart about the significant loss to the local community. She raised concerns about the rapid reduction in pupil numbers and hoped lessons would be learned for future situations. She also expressed concerns about the class makeup at Keig School and sought reassurance regarding the consideration of year group splits and opportunities for year groups to mix. Councillor Petrie also highlighted the impact of the mothballing of the nursery, noting the confusion and concern it had caused. Mr. Findlay responded to Councillor Petrie's points, explaining that guidance on ELC closures was being developed and that the current planning was for the ELC setting to remain mothballed for a further school session.

Councillor Ann Ross focused on the impact of the proposal on rurality, stating that a school is often the heart of a rural community and its loss risks accelerating population decline. Councillor Lauren Knight asked about children with additional support needs, transition planning, transportation, and sibling arrangements, all of which Mr. Findlay confirmed would be addressed.

The council agreed to permanently close Tullynessle School and reassign its catchment to Keig School.

Aberdeenshire Temporary Closure Guidance: Primary Schools and Early Learning and Childcare Settings

The council considered updated guidance for the temporary closure of primary schools and early learning and childcare (ELC) settings, following new Scottish Government statutory guidance. Director of Education and Children's Services, Mr. Laurence Findlay, introduced the report, explaining that the term temporary closure replaces mothballing and that the revised national guidance emphasises clearer governance, stronger transparency, and explicit consideration of children's rights under the UNCRC.

Mr. Findlay stated that two detailed guidance documents had been developed, one for primary schools and one for ELC settings, setting out clear evidence-based decision-making processes for planned and unplanned closures. He emphasised that temporary closure is only considered in limited circumstances, such as when pupil numbers fall to eight or fewer, or where operational or building issues make continued provision unsustainable. The guidance places a strong emphasis on educational benefit, wellbeing, rurality, and community impact. A key feature is the strengthened focus on engagement and transparency, with increased decision-making power placed in the hands of elected members, with the director retaining delegation only for emergency closure scenarios.

Mr. Sam Colley, representing the Burson-Bologi Community Council, was invited to speak. Mr. Colley thanked Aberdeenshire Council for updating the guidance but stated that there were still oversights and limitations requiring amendment. He highlighted concerns regarding the triggers for temporary closure reviews not considering true demand, the reliance on broad assumptions for educational benefits statements, and inappropriate language in relation to stakeholder engagement. He also raised concerns about the language around emergency closure triggers and reopening criteria being open to misuse. Mr. Colley requested that the approval of the draft guidance be postponed until further reviews had been conducted.

Councillor David Keating, Chair of the Education and Children's Services Committee, proposed amended recommendations to allow for a detailed debate at the next ECS Committee meeting and for the recommendations to be brought forward to the June full council meeting. He thanked Mr. Colley for his eloquent presentation and requested his comments be emailed to him. Councillor Colin Simpson seconded the amended recommendations, thanking the officers for their work and welcoming the clarity provided to communities. Councillor Gwyneth Petrie welcomed the amended recommendations but stated that the draft guidance still required further consideration. Councillor Mark Findlater agreed with the amendments and the need to get the guidance right, especially for rural communities. Councillor Ann Ross welcomed the amendments and requested further consultation with the Director. Councillor Stephen Smith raised a question regarding the incorporation of planning and planned housing developments into the list of factors assessed. Mr. Findlay confirmed this would be picked up. Councillor Anne Stirling explained that the recommendations had been finalised that morning and apologised for not being circulated in advance.

The council agreed to the revised recommendations, which will see the guidance go to ECS for further consideration and then return to full council on 25 June, along with the standing orders element.

Other Announcements

Before moving to the main business, Provost Judy Whyte shared sad news of the passing of Councillor George Hall, who served Peterhead South and Cruden with dedication. A minute's silence was observed in his memory.

On a happier note, the Provost congratulated the Tarves Academy senior girls' football team on their historic season, winning the Aberdeenshire Schools League Cup and title, and subsequently the Champions of Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Highland Schools competition.

She also highlighted a short documentary film on YouTube featuring staff from Aberdeenshire Council's Community Learning and Development Service who visited Kenya on a Literary Exchange, funded through the Scottish Education Exchange Program.

The Provost also noted that the North East of Scotland Biological Records Centre (NSBREC) had reached over three million records of wildlife sightings. NSBREC is part of Aberdeenshire Council's Environment and Sustainability Service.

Finally, nominations for the Inspiring Aberdeenshire Awards closed that week, with a large number of entries received.

The council also agreed to the public sector equality duty and agreed to take items 8 and 9 in private. The minutes of the meeting of 12 March 2026 were confirmed, subject to a minor spelling correction.