Lawyers clear way to build on park

Published on Tuesday 2 December 2008 09:13

EDUCATION leaders have finally received confirmation that a new Portobello High School can legally be built on Portobello Park.

The site of the new school has had a question mark over it as it was unclear whether a school could legally be built on Common Good land.

However, the city council has now received legal advice which will allow plans for a new school to progress and Portobello can now be considered on an equal basis as the other four schools awaiting modernisation under the "wave three" programme.

Councillor Marilyne MacLaren, the city's education leader, said: "I am extremely pleased to receive this advice.

"The advice we have been given provides an appropriate way forward and I believe it clarifies the extent of local authority power over the use of Common Good land."

A progress report on how the council plans to implement the wave three programme will go before councillors at a meeting on December 18.

Willie Wilson, a member of Portobello For A New School, welcomed the news.

He said: "We now urge the council to do the right thing at their meeting in December and prioritise the money they have already set aside to replace Portobello High School.

"The dedicated teachers and 1400 children of Portobello High School deserve to work and study in a building that is fit for the 21st century."