Schools merger could keep current buildings open

A final decision is to be made on whether to merge two Aberdeenshire primary schools but keep both of their buildings open.

Council officers are recommending councillors approve the plans on Thursday which would see Foveran and Tipperty operate as a new school with one identity.

Foveran School is over-capacity for the current school year, while Tipperty is under capacity – with no provision for the school funded in the recent budget.

It is expected the bus travel for taking children between the schools – which are two miles (3km) apart – would be about £42,000 per year.