New teachers found for remote Highland school after social media appeal

Strathconon Primary School in Ross-shire suffered a staffing crisis after it lost its two main teachers last term.

The 22-pupil school has however started the new 2016 term with new teachers after a successful campaign.

Aware of the current difficulties in recruiting teaching staff across the country, the local community played their part and launched a facebook and twitter campaign promoting the school and Strathconon area to attract as many applications as possible.

Parents were concerned the education of their children would be affected if the school had to rely on supply teachers.

An appeal on social networking was shared more than 8,000 times.

A total of 29 applications were received and interviews were held just before the start of the Christmas holidays.

New classroom teacher Ruth Wylie, who has been teaching at Dingwall Primary, starts today, while Nicola Milne, currently working at Park Primary School in Invergordon, will take up her post next week.

Cluster Head Teacher at Marybank and Strathgarve Primaries, Kerrie Laird, has also been covering Strathconon Primary since the start of December.

Delighted to have new people in post, she said: “The campaign certainly generated a lot of interest and it was fantastic to get so many applications.

“I am sure the Parent Council and local community will warmly welcome the news that we have made the appointments and would like to join the pupils and I in welcoming Ruth and Nicola to our school.”

A total of 11 families provide the 22 primary pupils and two nursery children who attend the school.