Last minute appeal for headteacher for Lochinver and Achiltibuie primary schools
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Parents of children at two of the country’s remotest schools have launched a last minute appeal to find a headteacher - at the third attempt.
The new head will be responsible for both primary schools - one in Sutherland and the other in Wester Ross - 20 miles apart.
But despite being in some of the most spectacular scenery in the Highlands, a lack of available housing is believed to be part of the problem in finding a permanent replacement for Colin Masterton.
Achiltibuie and Lochinver Primary Schools have 43 children between them.
Lochinver in Sutherland also has seven early years pupils.
The Highland Council is recruiting for a new £61,839-a-year head for the two schools after Mr Masterton left last summer.
The property he was in was snapped up by another local employer for their staff.
An acting headteacher has been in charge since, but lives in Scourie 47 miles away which is challenging travelling.
Highland Council first attempted to recruit in the autumn; but that bid failed despite attracting a number of applicants.
The authority tried again in February; this time the two candidates for interview withdrew citing personal reasons.
“They are taking the same approach again - and we fear it will fail again if we do not try something different,” said Lizzie Williams, chairperson of the Achiltibuie Parent Council.
“We hope that some press attention may help to widen the net and encourage a wider pool of applicants from further afield. “With the deadline April 1, we really need to move quickly for this to make a difference.
“We worry that a reason for applicants withdrawing is the lack of housing. Both parent councils are writing to the Highland Council to ask for support for a teacher house, and the brilliant Assynt Development Trust for Lochinver and Coigach Community Development Trust for Achiltibuie both have substantial housing projects underway.
“Ullapool is only 45 minutes away which has more available housing and the successful applicant could be based there.
“In the meantime, we feel that if we can sell the concept of being part of these wonderful communities - the wider lifestyle benefits of a job like this - we may attract more candidates, one of whom may be able to find somewhere to live, and take on the job!
“These remaining tiny schools - particularly Achiltibue, with 11 children - are so vital to the viability of these communities, which face so many other difficulties. We need to support them in every way we can.
“The quality of life here is second to none and the impact a teacher can have in a place like this is life changing, not just for the children but for the wider community of which they will be a highly valued member. We are ready to give them a warm and great welcome.”
