The Marr Area Committee met online on 10 March 2026 to discuss the performance of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the proposed closure of Tullynessle School, and ACT2 applications. The committee received a report on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's performance for the third quarter of the 2025-2026 financial year and considered the consultation report regarding the closure of Tullynessle School, recommending that the school be permanently closed and its catchment reassigned to Keig School.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service – Marr Area Committee Performance Report for Q3 1 October to 31 December 2025

The committee received and discussed the performance report for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in the Marr area for the period of October to December 2025. The report detailed key performance measures and associated targets, aligning with the Aberdeenshire Local Fire and Rescue Plan and the Marr Multi-Member Ward Plan. The committee was asked to acknowledge and discuss the report, as well as any local operational matters and key resource issues arising from it. The report indicated that there were 80 total incidents, including 29 fires, 11 non-fire incidents, and 37 false alarms. Tragically, there was one non-fire fatality. The report also highlighted trends in accidental dwelling fires, deliberate fires, non-domestic fires, and unwanted fire alarm signals (UFAS) over the previous 16 quarters. Home Fire Safety Visits and Fire Safety Audits were also detailed, with 19 HFSVs and 5 Fire Safety Audits conducted.

Consultation Report Regarding the Closure of Tullynessle School

The committee considered the consultation report regarding the proposed permanent closure of Tullynessle School. The report detailed the statutory consultation process, which ran from 1 September to 31 October 2025, and included a public meeting, an online survey, and pupil engagement. Officers from Education and Children's Services recommended the permanent closure of Tullynessle School and the reassignment of its catchment area to Keig School. The committee was asked to pass comments on this recommendation to the Education and Children's Services Committee, which would then make a recommendation to Full Council.

The consultation report indicated that while there was significant opposition to the closure, there was also some support. Concerns were raised about the impact on the Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) provision at Tullynessle, which is subject to a separate decision-making process. The report also detailed the options appraisal, discounted options such as a split-site model, and alternatives to closure. The recommendation to close Tullynessle School and reassign its catchment to Keig School was based on educational, social, and financial arguments, aiming to enhance primary education provision within the Alford Cluster and ensure a sustainable learning estate. The report noted that existing pupils would continue their education at their current schools, and younger siblings would also be eligible to attend the same school with transport provided.

ACT2 (Aberdeenshire Charities Trust) Applications

The committee, sitting as the Aberdeenshire Charities Trust, considered applications for financial assistance. These applications were heard in a part of the meeting that was exempt from public attendance due to the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to applicants for financial assistance.

Statement of Outstanding Business

The committee reviewed the statement of outstanding business from previous meetings. An update was provided on the statutory consultation for the Seton Terrace / Meadow Avenue one-way system in Huntly, which was complete, and public consultation was underway. Works were to follow thereafter, subject to no valid objections. The item was to remain on the statement of outstanding business until the works were completed. The committee agreed to note the items of outstanding business and remove one item from the statement as it was complete.

Environment and Infrastructure Services Procurement Plan Marr 2026/2027

This item was scheduled to be considered with the press and public excluded, as it involved expenditure to be incurred by the Council under a contract for the acquisition of property or supply of goods or services.

Public Sector Equality Duty

The committee considered its legal duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between those who share protected characteristics and those who do not. Members were directed to consider Integrated Impact Assessments provided in reports and take them into account when reaching decisions.