The Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee met on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, to discuss the Education Scotland inspection reports for Gourdon and Johnshaven Schools, and to review the Roads and Infrastructure Programmes of Work for 2026-27, along with an update on 2025-26 works. Decisions were made regarding the consideration of these reports and the approval of revenue funding for roads and bridges.

Education Scotland Inspection Reports

The committee considered the Education Scotland inspection reports for Gourdon School¹ and Johnshaven School².

For Gourdon School, the acting headteacher, Gail Farland, presented the report, which evaluated the school positively across several areas. Leadership of change was rated as good, with the time factor being the only element preventing a higher rating. Learning and teaching and assessment was also graded as good, with recommendations for improving the context of curriculum delivery to ensure relevance to the modern world. Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion was rated as very good, and raising attainment and achievement was graded as good, though it was noted that attainment in small schools can fluctuate due to cohort sizes. Councillor Ellison commented that the school is in a good position to move forward and plays a strong part in the local community. Councillor Carr highlighted the historical synergy between pensioners and learners, which Gail Farland confirmed is still a key plank of the school's ethos, with initiatives like a community cafe and the delivery of tea sets to housebound pensioners. Councillor Smith expressed her gratitude to Gail Farland for her work, noting her impending retirement. Councillor Turner inquired about maintaining standards during the handover to a new headteacher and the communication of learnings among headteachers. Gail Farland assured the committee that the staff team is strong and invested, and that a handover would occur. She also mentioned existing practices for sharing good practice across the authority. Councillor Burnett commended the school's community spirit and its benefits for both children and the elderly. The committee agreed to consider and provide comments to the Education Service on the report.

For Johnshaven School, headteacher Alison Millard presented the inspection report. The report highlighted a warm, calm, nurturing and inclusive school environment with positive relationships and children who are friendly, polite and proud of their school. Teachers were praised for providing engaging learning experiences using outdoor environments and digital technologies. Areas for improvement included developing approaches for consistently high-quality learning and teaching, ensuring children take a stronger role in leading their own learning, and continuing to analyse and use data effectively to improve attainment. Councillor Ellison noted the calm atmosphere and effective use of technology, as well as the acknowledgement of difference within the school. Councillor Carr asked about widening outdoor learning and community involvement, to which Alison Millard responded that the school is always looking for opportunities to collaborate with community groups. The committee agreed to consider and provide comments to the Education Service on the report.

Roads and Infrastructure Programmes of Work 2026-27 and Update on 2025-26 Works

The committee received a comprehensive report on the Roads and Infrastructure Programmes of Work for 2026-27, along with an update on 2025-26 works. Ken Mercer, supported by officers from various services, introduced the report, noting an approximate £83,000 reduction in the budget for 2026-27, with a shift in allocation from bridges to road maintenance. The report detailed planned activities and schemes funded by both revenue and capital, with the Area Committee having authority to approve revenue spend proposals and comment on capital proposals.

A significant point of discussion was the £1.88 million additional funding for road maintenance, which will allow for the resumption of preventive resurfacing and surface dressing work. This funding may also permit the acquisition of an additional pothole repair vehicle. However, officers cautioned that road condition will continue to decline as funding levels remain below steady state.

The report detailed the data-driven process for prioritising road maintenance schemes, with an enhanced priority given to schemes requiring minimal preparatory work. An interactive map of these schemes was made available.

Concerns were raised by councillors regarding communication with communities about proposed works, the disappearance of 20 mph flashing signs in villages, and the maintenance of road verges. Ken Mercer acknowledged the communication challenges and stated that notices are being erected on columns and an interactive map is being developed. He explained that repairs are prioritised on a risk-based approach due to finite budgets.

Councillor Sullivan questioned the prioritisation of budget spending, noting a contradiction between the report's mention of traffic volume and a specific instruction that it is not taken into account. Ken Mercer clarified that the prioritisation is data-driven, based on defect criteria, and that safety is paramount across all road classifications. He also explained that road markings on higher priority routes are prioritised over residential streets due to risk assessment.

Councillor Turner raised questions about the layout of the report, the lack of specific locations for completed drainage works, and the rationale behind the prioritisation of bridge works. Michael Lane, a bridge expert, provided details on the ongoing work for Burby Bridge and the challenges with its aging structure. He also addressed the Lower North Water bridge, noting that Angus Council is the lead authority.

The committee noted the updates on 2025-26 works and approved the revenue funding proposals for roads and bridges for the coming year. They also made comments to the Infrastructure Services Committee on the proposals for capital works.

Key points of discussion included:

• Road Maintenance: An additional £1.88 million has been identified for road maintenance, which will allow for spray injection patching contracts and potentially the acquisition of an additional pothole repair vehicle. However, funding levels remain below steady state, meaning the road network will continue to decline.
• Street Lighting: Private road and footway lighting will be switched off, with an option for private ownership. Column cut-downs will continue to be the norm due to finite funding for replacements.
• Bridges: The report detailed the prioritised list of future bridge works and the planned programme for 2026-27. Concerns were raised about the lack of detail on specific bridge locations for completed works and the prioritisation of funding for major projects like Abbeyton Bridge.
• Coastal Erosion and Flooding: The reactive nature of coastal erosion management and the allocation of capital funding for new and existing flood protection assets were discussed.
• Harbours: Revenue-funded repairs and maintenance, alongside capital-funded structural improvements, were outlined.
• Communication: A recurring theme was the need for improved communication with both councillors and the public regarding the prioritisation of works, street lighting changes, and the rationale behind decisions. Officers acknowledged this and outlined steps being taken to improve communication, including the development of an interactive map.

The committee agreed to note the updates on 2025-26 works, approve the revenue funding proposals for roads and bridges, and make comments to the Infrastructure Services Committee on the capital funding proposals. Outstanding questions regarding specific lighting works and the reporting of bridge projects were to be addressed by officers.