Council correspondence · Transcript

IR 44563: review decision and disclosed assessment records

Aberdeenshire Council
Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (“The Act”)
Decision Notice – Section 21(5)
Application by K. Forbes
Information Request: 44563
Dear Mr. Forbes,
In accordance with section 21(1) of the Act, the review panel of Aberdeenshire Council has
considered your application for a requirement for review received on the 14th of September
2026.
In accordance with section 21(5) of the Act, the review panel herewith gives notice in writing
that the decision complained about dated the 14th of September 2026, required amendment
to reflect that further information was provided.
A statement of the reasons for the decision as required by section 21(5) of the Act is appended.
Application for a decision by the Scottish Information Commissioner:
By virtue of section 47 of the Act, a person who is dissatisfied with a decision notice issued
under section 21(5) or (9) of the Act, may apply to the Scottish Information Commissioner for
their decision as to whether, in any respect specified in that application, the request for
information under section 1(1) of the Act, has been dealt with in accordance with Part 1 of the
Act.
An application to the Scottish Information Commissioner must be made in writing (or in another
form having some permanency e.g. a video / tape recording) within six months of receipt of a
section 21 decision notice from Aberdeenshire Council’s review panel. When applying to the
Scottish Information Commissioner to make a decision with respect to a section 21 decision
notice, you must state your name and address for correspondence.
You must also specify:
(a) The request for information to which the requirement for review was made to
Aberdeenshire Council relate.
(b) The matter which gives rise to your dissatisfaction and your request for review; and
(c) The matter which gives rise to your dissatisfaction pertaining to the decision given in
the section 21 decision notice.
An appeal can now be made online at the following address:
https://www.foi.scot/appeal
Yours sincerely,
Clerk to the Review Panel
Aberdeenshire Council
12th October 2026
Further Information:
The Scottish Information Commissioner can be contact at: -
Scottish Information Commissioner
Kinburn Castle
Doubledykes Road
St. Andrews
Fife
KY16 9DS
Telephone: 01334 464610
Fax: 01334 464611
Email: enquiries@itspublicknowledge.info
Web: https://www.foi.scot/appeal
Appeals against a decision of the Scottish Information Commissioner:
Section 56 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (“The Act”) provides an appeal
on a point of law may be made to the Court of Session.
(a) Against a decision of the Scottish Information Commissioner (under subsection (2) of
section 49 – i.e. where the Commissioner determines that a decision does not require
to be made) by the person who applied to the Scottish Information Commissioner to
make such a decision (i.e. an applicant);
(b) Against a decision of the Scottish Information Commissioner (under subsection 3(b) of
section 49) by an applicant or by the Scottish Public Authority in respect of which the
decision was made; or
(c) Against a decision which resulted in the giving of an information notice or an
enforcement notice to a Scottish Public Authority.
Statement of Reasons - 44563
The Review Panel had before it the initial request, the service response, the request for review
and further submissions from the service. The requester was given the opportunity to make
further submissions but did not do so.
The Review Panel noted that as part of their submission to the Review Panel, they provided
further information to the Review Panel. The Review Panel agreed that this could be
forwarded to the requester and this is attached.
The Review Panel considered that drafts of the assessments prepared as part of the
consultation proposal fell within the exemption contained in section 30(b)(i) of the Freedom
of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (“FOISA”). The assessments in question were in draft
form and were subject to review and approval. This process involved further discussions and
advice being provided before finalisation of the consultation proposal. The Review Panel
considered that release of that information would be likely to prejudice the free and frank
provision of advice and exchange of views in terms of this process as it would likely have an
adverse impact on the discussion on such proposals if it was felt that any option or point of
discussion was open to publication. While there is a public interest in disclosure of such
information, public bodies must be allowed to freely discuss matters of public importance in
private before taking a final position. The Review Panel considered that the public interest in
disclosing the information sought was outweighed by the public interest in allowing matters
to be discussed freely in a private setting.
The Review Panel noted that the requester had raised concerns in respect of the searches
undertaken. The service provided the relevant audit form to the Review Panel and the
Review Panel agreed that these could be forwarded to the requester. confirm the
appropriate searches undertaken by officers in this case.
The Review Panel determined that the original decision notice required amendment to reflect
that further information had been provided to the requester and that clarification had been
provided regarding the exemption referred to.
Further Information - 44563
Response issued by service on 14/09/26:
Dear Kevin Forbes
Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (“The Act”)
We refer to your request dated 15/08/2026 09:08. We confirm that the Council holds the
following information, which we believe satisfies your request.
In correspondence sent to Stephen Flynn MSP, Aberdeenshire Council stated:
“As previously advised, the Council completed its preliminary assessment of
alternatives in April 2026, prior to the Education and Children’s Services Committee
considering whether work should proceed towards a statutory closure proposal.”
Please provide all recorded information relating to that April 2026 preliminary
assessment of alternatives for Banchory-Devenick School.
This should include:
The completed preliminary assessment; -
Details contained within the SLT and ECS reports previously provided. Options checklist used
for emergency decant attached as Appendix 1.
Any draft versions;
Not held
Any options appraisal;
Preliminary options are contained within SLT and ECS reports. A full Options Appraisal is still
ongoing and will form part of the proposal document for statutory consultation which is
currently being prepared.
Any scoring matrix;
The Scoring matrix template which is used to support the options appraisal, which remains in
progress, has previously been provided.
Any assessment of reasonable alternatives to closure; any assessment of educational
benefits; as above
Being prepared as part of the statutory consultation proposal document.
Any assessment of community impact
Being prepared as part of the statutory consultation proposal document.
Any assessment of travel implications
Being prepared as part of the statutory consultation proposal document.
Any record showing why closure was considered the most appropriate response
Being prepared as part of the statutory consultation proposal document.
Any emails, meeting notes, briefings, reports or attachments discussing the
preliminary assessment;
We have nothing additional to add.
Any records showing who prepared, reviewed or approved the assessment;
SLT report is signed and dated.
Any records showing whether the assessment was provided to, considered by, or
summarised for the Education and Children’s Services Committee.
ECS report and minutes are available on the website.
Please contact me as the officer responsible for responding to your request if you have any
further queries.
If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with this response, please refer to the further
information below.
Yours faithfully
Freedom of Information Co-ordinator
Education & Children's Services: Education
Further Information:
Aberdeenshire Council’s Review Procedure under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act
2002 and the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 can be accessed at the
following link:
http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/foi-review-process
Documents and items referred to in the response:
Meetings:
ECS Committee Meetings
 ECS Committee Meeting: 26/03/26 – Report, IIA and Approved Minute - Item 9
https://aberdeenshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=153&MId=865
3&Ver=4
ECS LT Meeting
 ECS LT Meeting – 08/01/26 – Report
Please see Appendix 1
SLT Meeting
 SLT Meeting – 28/01/26 – Report
Please see Appendix 2
Documents:
 Options checklist for emergency decant
Please see Appendix 3 – as attached to the response.
 Scoring matrix
Please see Appendix 4
ECS LT Report to ECS LT
Date of Meeting: Title of Agenda Item: Responsible Person &
Contact Details:
Which Heads of Service/
Area Managers have seen
sight of the finalised report
Summary: 8 January 2026
Banchory Devenick School – Heating System Failure
S38(1)(b)
Learning Estates Team
S38(1)(b)
Anne Marie Davies MacLeod, Head of Resources
and Performance
Allan Whyte Head of Service, Property and Facilities
Management
This report identifies critical risks associated with the
heating system at Banchory Devenick School and
the associated trends of roll, including its future
viability.
Background Papers: N/A
Decision/Action required:
Estimated Time to Cover
15 mins
Item:
All electronic papers should be forwarded to:
S38(1)(b)
Aberdeenshire Council
S38(1)(b)
@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
01467
S38(1)(b)
REPORT TO SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM – Banchory Devenick School –
Heating System Failure
1.0 Introduction
1.1 This report identifies critical risks associated with the heating system at
Banchory Devenick School, along with the school roll figures and outlines the
future viability of the school.
2.0 Discussion
Property / FM context
2.1 During December 2025, a routine inspection of the boiler system at Banchory
Devenick School identified significant deterioration in two of the flues, which are
now beyond permanent repair. A temporary repair has been undertaken to
allow the school to remain operational in the short term. However, a full
replacement of the flues is required as a matter of urgency to ensure the boilers
can continue operating. Failure to replace the flues will result in the boilers
being condemned and shut down. The estimated cost of replacing the flues is
£10,000.
Officers within Property and Facilities Management have been progressing a
programme of works to address high‑risk oil pipes, following two oil pipe leaks
in schools in recent years. Banchory Devenick School currently has an
underground oil supply pipe, categorising it as high risk. The existing oil tank
is also non‑compliant due to its current location and therefore should be
relocated as part of the remedial works. The estimated cost for this element is
approximately £55,000.
The boilers were installed in 1990 and are now 26 years old, despite the
recommended operational lifespan for such boilers being approximately 15
years. Replacement parts are no longer available, meaning any future failures
would necessitate a complete boiler replacement. In the event of boiler failure,
a transition to LPG would be recommended if site space allowed to eliminate
risks associated with oil storage and to adopt a more environmentally
sustainable solution. The estimated cost for a full boiler replacement is
£180,000. Should the boilers fail before replacement is completed, temporary
plant would be required to maintain school operations at a cost of
approximately £1,500 per week with a set up and removal costs of circa
£30,000; alternatively, it may be necessary to relocate pupils into a
“school‑within‑a‑school” arrangement.
Given the age of the boilers, the high risk of failure, the urgent flue repairs, and
the required works to the oil tank and associated pipework, it is recommended
that a full boiler replacement is undertaken. Any investment in flue, tank, or
pipework repairs would become redundant if a boiler failure were to occur.
In addition to the above, the flat roof has reached, or is close to reaching, the
end of its expected lifecycle. Replacement within the next year is recommended
at an estimated cost of £65,000. The electrical installation—including power,
lighting, emergency lighting, and fire alarm systems—also requires full
replacement at an estimated cost of £150,000. A further urgent requirement is
the replacement of the water tank to ensure compliance with current water
bylaws, at an estimated cost of £10,000.
Furthermore, both the toilet facilities and the playground are nearing the end of
their expected lifecycles and should be replaced within the next one to two
years. Estimated costs are £75,000 for the toilet facilities and £50,000 for the
playground.
The table below provides a summary of the works and costs.
Works Required Budget Cost
Heating Upgrade £180,000
Water Tank Replacement £10,000
Flat Roof Upgrade £65,000
Electrical Upgrade £150,000
Toilet Upgrade £75,000
Playground Resurface £50,000
Total £530,000
Cluster capacity context
2.2 Considering available capacity within the cluster alone, as set out below, there
is no operational requirement to repair or maintain Banchory Devenick School.
The Portlethen Cluster consists of five primary schools; Banchory Devenick,
Fishermoss, Hillside, Newtonhill and Portlethen Primary Schools.
Table 1 below, shows that the Cluster has capacity for 1,738 pupils, and
currently operating at 73% capacity, which is 476 spare places in 2029,
equivalent to a two stream school.
Table 1
Portlethen Cluster Capacity 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Total 1,738 1,271 1,248 1,225 1,232 1,262
Banchory Devenick School has a capacity for 70 pupils. Under Scottish
Government Guidelines it is classed as Accessible Rural, the remaining schools
within the cluster are classed as Accessible Small Town.
School condition context
2.3 Banchory Devenick School has a condition grade of B and a suitability grade of
A. The identified condition costs total £534,064. This included a boiler
replacement, minor works to the toilet and a variety of smaller repairs.
School roll context
2.4 The current roll at Banchory Devenick School is 28 pupils, of which 11 pupils
reside within the catchment, 3 are zoned to other schools within Aberdeenshire
and the remaining 14 pupils reside within Aberdeen City. The number of pupils
per cohort is detailed in Table 2 below.
Table 2
Cohort P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7
S38(1)(b)
Pupils
The school is operating with two classes, P1-3 class of 14 pupils and a P4-7
class of 14 pupils.
According to NHS Data there are 8 pupils due to start at the school between
2026 and 2028. Data trends show that on average several of children the in-
zone choose schools out of the zone and there are OOZ applications from
Aberdeen City families.
If the school only had in zone pupils attending, the roll, would be on average
between 11 and 13 pupils for the next four sessions.
2.5 2.6 2.7 According to SEEMiS there are 13 primary aged pupils who reside in catchment
and attend Aberdeenshire schools.
There are no planned housing developments within the catchment area.
Banchory Devenick School has a servery kitchen; meals are provided by
Portlethen Primary.
Options for consideration
There are 3 options for consideration for Banchory Devenick School
Option 1: Progression of repairs and maintenance requirements
This option does not give best value with considering the points made above
regarding the pupils on roll and the capacity across the cluster.
Option 2: Relocation of Banchory Devenick to other cluster school
(“school-within-a-school”)
Given the lack of available capital budget to progress the identified works
above, and wider consideration of Best Value, it may be appropriate to consider
the (permanent/temporary) relocation of Banchory Devenick School to another
cluster school where there is adequate capacity. This could be actioned as an
emergency situation then progressed through statutory consultation for closure.
Option 2a- Relocate to Portlethen Primary
Portlethen School has a capacity of 342, and a current roll of 210, operating at
61% capacity. It is approximately 4 miles from Banchory Devenick School.
The school currently provides meals to Banchory Devenick School.
Option 2b – Relocate to Fishermoss School
Fishermoss School has a capacity of 358, and a current roll of 254, operating
at 71% capacity. It is approximately 5.5 miles from Banchory Devenick School.
The preferred option is 2b according to the QIM and QIO.
Both of the options above would negate the requirement of a servery and both
have kitchens.
There is currently one transport contract for 11 pupils with a cost of £136.59 per
day. This could be rerouted to either of the schools identified as options. –
The existing transport contract for in zone pupils could be diverted to either of
the two schools identified. Transport would also be provided for out of zone
pupils living within Aberdeenshire. It would not be provided for pupils living
within Aberdeen City. OR Transport for the out of zone pupils would only be
provided to and from Banchory Devenick School, so parents would still need to
transport their children to the school.
2.8 Staffing
Table below indicates the staffing compliment at Banchory Devenick School.
Head Teacher 1 FTE
Teachers 1.3 FTE Permanent + 0.6 FTE Fixed
Term
PSA 20hrs Permanent, 25hrs Fixed Term
(OLA funded)
Catering Assistant 15 hours Permanent
Janitorial tbc
Admin 18 hours
3.0 Recommendation
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Note the risks and the financial implications of the repairs.
Give comment on the viability of the school.
Confirm the preferred option and sub-option, if a relocation is required
Confirm whether transport should be provided to Aberdeen City pupils should
the relocation go ahead. In other circumstances transports has been provided
to any pupil on roll at the time of temporary closure, but from the school, not
from individual addresses, unless in zone.
4.0 Financial Implications
4.1 Capital and revenue implications of each option and sub-options
Report by: , Learning Estates
S38(1)(b)
And
S38(1)(b)Date: 8 January 2026
MT Report to SLT
Date of Meeting: Title of Agenda Item: Responsible Person &
Contact Details:
Which Heads of Service/
Area Managers have seen
sight of the finalised report
Summary: 28 January 2026
Banchory Devenick School – Heating System Failure
S38(1)(b)
Learning Estates Team
S38(1)(b)
Anne Marie Davies MacLeod, Head of Resources
and Performance
Allan Whyte Head of Service, Property and Facilities
Management
This report identifies critical risks associated with the
heating system at Banchory Devenick School, along
with the school condition position, roll figures and
Portlethen Cluster capacity. It also outlines the
strategic and operational viability of the school and
provides options for next steps.
Background Papers: N/A
Decision/Action required:
Estimated Time to Cover
15 mins
Item:
All electronic papers should be forwarded to:
S38(1)(b)
Aberdeenshire Council
S38(1)(b)
@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
01467
S38(1)(b)
REPORT TO SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
BANCHORY DEVENICK SCHOOL – HEATING SYSTEM FAILURE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 This report identifies critical risks associated with the heating system at
Banchory Devenick School, along with the school condition position, roll figures
and Portlethen Cluster capacity. It also outlines the strategic and operational
viability of the school and provides options for next steps.
1.2 ECS LT considered this paper on 16 January 2026, and the decision was to
proceed to SLT for information and advice on next steps.
2.0 Discussion
2.1 2.2 2.3 Property / FM context – Heating System
During December 2025, a routine inspection of the boiler system at Banchory
Devenick School identified significant deterioration in two of the flues, which are
now beyond permanent repair. A temporary repair has been undertaken to
allow the school to remain operational in the short term. However, a full
replacement of the flues is required as a matter of urgency to ensure the boilers
can continue operating. Failure to replace the flues will result in the boilers
being condemned and shut down. The estimated cost of replacing the flues is
£10,000.
Officers within Property and Facilities Management have been progressing a
programme of works to address high‑risk oil pipes, following two oil pipe leaks
in schools in recent years. Banchory Devenick School currently has an
underground oil supply pipe, categorising it as high risk. The existing oil tank is
also non‑compliant due to its current location and therefore should be relocated
as part of the remedial works. The estimated cost for this element is
approximately £55,000.
The boilers were installed in 1990 and are now 26 years old, despite the
recommended operational lifespan for such boilers being approximately 15
years. Replacement parts are no longer available, meaning any future failures
would necessitate a complete boiler replacement. In the event of boiler failure,
a transition to LPG would be recommended if site space allowed to eliminate
risks associated with oil storage and to adopt a more environmentally
sustainable solution. The estimated cost for a full boiler replacement is
£180,000. Should the boilers fail before replacement is completed, temporary
plant would be required to maintain school operations at a cost of approximately
£1,500 per week with a set up and removal costs of circa £30,000; alternatively,
it may be necessary to relocate pupils into a “school‑within‑a‑school”
arrangement.
2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Total Flat Roof Upgrade Electrical Upgrade Toilet Upgrade Playground Resurface £50,000
£65,000
£150,000
£75,000
£530,000
2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 Given the age of the boilers, the high risk of failure, the urgent flue repairs, and
the required works to the oil tank and associated pipework, it is recommended
that a full boiler replacement is undertaken. Any investment in flue, tank, or
pipework repairs would become redundant if a boiler failure were to occur.
School condition context
In addition to the above, the flat roof has reached, or is close to reaching, the
end of its expected lifecycle. Replacement within the next year is recommended
at an estimated cost of £65,000. The electrical installation, including power,
lighting, emergency lighting, and fire alarm systems also requires full
replacement at an estimated cost of £150,000. A further urgent requirement is
the replacement of the water tank to ensure compliance with current water
bylaws, at an estimated cost of £10,000.
Furthermore, both the toilet facilities and the playground are nearing the end of
their expected lifecycles and should be replaced within the next one to two
years. Estimated costs are £75,000 for the toilet facilities and £50,000 for the
playground.
Table 1 below provides a summary of the works and costs.
Table 1 – Summary of works and costs
Works Required Budget Cost
Heating Upgrade Water Tank Replacement £180,000
£10,000
The most recent condition and survey reports show that Banchory Devenick
School is graded ‘B’ for condition and ‘A’ for suitability.
Strategic Review
The Learning Estates Strategy – Movement Towards a Sustainable Estate was
approved at ECS Committee on 1 February 2024. The strategy aims to have
a best value estate with financially sustainable provision. As part of each stage
of the review officers compare building capacity with pupil numbers within each
cluster to ensure population aligns with capacity.
Officers are progressing with Phase 3 of the review. However, the strategy
allows flexibility enabling officers to respond to emerging issues.
The original plan was to include the Portlethen Cluster within Phase 4 of the
review. The viability of Banchory Devenick School would have been assessed
at that point and it is likely that option 4 below, would have been a
recommendation as there is no strategic requirement to retain Banchory
Devenick School.
Cluster capacity context
2.12 Considering available capacity within the cluster alone, as set out below, there
is no operational requirement to repair or maintain Banchory Devenick School.
2.13 The Portlethen Cluster consists of five primary schools, Banchory Devenick,
Fishermoss, Hilliside, Newtonhill and Portlethen Primary Schools.
2.14 Table 2 below, shows that the Cluster has capacity for 1,738 pupils, and
currently operating at 73% capacity. It is predicted by 2029, there will be 475
spare primary places, which is equivalent to a two stream school.
Table 2
School Capacity 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Banchory Devenick 70 26 27 27 28 30
Fishermoss 358 256 261 251 235 221
Hillside 509 444 405 377 360 364
Newtonhill 459 338 353 365 399 422
Portlethen 342 212 206 205 210 227
Total 1738 1276 1251 1227 1232 1263
2.15 Banchory Devenick School has a capacity for 70 pupils. Under Scottish
Government Guidelines it is classed as Accessible Rural (areas with a
population of less than 3,000 people, and within a drive time of 30 minutes to a
settlement of 10,000 or more).
2.16 2.17 The remaining schools within the cluster are classed as Accessible Small Town
(settlements of 3,000 to 9,999 people, and within a 30 minute drive time of a
settlement of 10,000 or more)
The map and Table 3 below shows the schools approximate distance from
Banchory Devenick School.
Distance
Table 3 – Distance from Banchory Devenick School
School 3.5 miles
Fishermoss School 5.5 miles
Hillside School 2.18 Portlethen Primary School 4 miles
Aberdeen City 3 miles
School roll context
The current roll at Banchory Devenick School is 26 pupils (23 families), of which
9 pupils reside within the catchment, 4 are zoned to other schools within
Aberdeenshire and the remaining 13 pupils reside within Aberdeen City. The
number of pupils per cohort is detailed in Table 4 below.
Table 4
2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 Cohort P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7
Pupils
S38(1)(b)
The school is operating with two classes, P1-3 class of 12 pupils and a P4-7
class of 14 pupils.
According to NHS Data there are 8 pupils due to start at the school between
2026 and 2028. Data trends show that on average several of children the in-
zone choose schools out of the zone and there are OOZ applications from
Aberdeen City families.
The primary enrolment period was between 12 and 16 January 2026, there was
one in zone enrolment and one placing request with a sibling link from
Aberdeen City.
According to SEEMiS (19 January 2026) there are 13 primary aged pupils
residing within the Banchory Devenick School catchment area, of which 9
attend the school. The remaining pupils either attend Fishermoss, Hillside or
Portlethen Primary School.
If the school only had in zone pupils attending, the roll, would be on average
between 9 and 11 pupils for the next four sessions, which is shown in Table 5
below.
Table 5 – SRF – Banchory Devenick School In Zone Pupils
Year 2025 2026 2027 There are no planned housing developments within the catchment area.
2.25 Banchory Devenick School has a servery kitchen; meals are provided by
Portlethen Primary.
2028 2029
In Zone Pupils 9 9 9 11 11
2.26 2.27 2.28 2.29 2.30 2.31 2.32 2.33 2.34 Options for consideration
There are 4 options for consideration for Banchory Devenick School, which are
detailed below;
Option 1: Status Quo
This option would be to do nothing more than the existing temporary repair to
Banchory Devenick School. This was only progressed as an emergency repair
on the basis that the full repair would be carried out timeously. Therefore, there
would be health and safety implications and significant reputational risks if this
timescale was not adhered to.
Officers would not recommend this approach.
Option 2: Progression of repairs and maintenance requirements
This option would see the urgent repairs required carried out as a priority with
the boiler upgrade and water tank replacement, totalling £190k carried out over
the next 12 months. The remainder of the works totalling £340k to be carried
out during year 2. This does not give best value when considering the points
made above regarding the pupils on roll and the capacity across the cluster.
Option 3: Relocation of Banchory Devenick School pupils to a cluster
school as “school within a school” (SWS) and begin statutory
consultation for closure.
This could be actioned as an emergency response/action to the situation then
progressed through statutory consultation for closure. Officers would
recommend this option if the boiler breaks prior to a longer term solution being
decided upon.
A ‘school within a school’ allows for the pupils and staff to stay together and be
educated within another school building. ECS has previously taken this
approach during the oil leak at Gartly School and the roof collapse at Slains
School.
Option 3a - Relocate as SWS to Portlethen Primary
Portlethen School has a capacity of 342, and a current roll of 210, configured
across 9 classes of their available 12 classrooms.
The school currently provides meals to Banchory Devenick School.
Option 3b – Relocate to SWS to Fishermoss School
Fishermoss School has a capacity of 358, and a current roll of 254, configured
cross 10 classes of their available 12 classroom spaces.
2.35 2.36 2.37 2.38 2.39 2.40 2.41 2.42 2.43 2.44 Initial conversations with both the QIO, Fiona Thompson and QIM, Paul Rooke
suggest that operationally Option 3b would be preferred.
Both of the options above would reduce the requirement for school meals to be
delivered across the cluster.
School Transport
There is currently one transport contract to Banchory Devenick School for 11
pupils with a daily cost of £136.59. This existing transport contract for in zone
pupils could be diverted to either of the two schools identified.
Transport would also be provided from Banchory Devenick School to either
Portlethen Primary or Fishermoss School for the remaining out of zone pupils.
Parents would still be required to transport their children to and from Banchory
Devenick School.
Option 4: Temporary Closure and begin statutory consultation for
permanent closure.
Given the lack of available capital budget to progress the identified works
above, and wider consideration of Best Value, it may be appropriate to consider
the temporary then subsequent permanent closure of Banchory Devenick
School.
All pupils who currently attend Banchory Devenick School will be offered the
following schools as an alternative.
 Fishermoss School
 Hillside School
 Portlethen Primary School
School Transport
Children zoned to Banchory Devenick School will be entitled to home to school
transport.
Children residing within Aberdeenshire outwith the Banchory Devenick School
catchment will be entitled to transport from Banchory Devenick School.
Children residing within Aberdeen City will not be entitled to school transport.
Staffing
Table 6 below indicates the staffing compliment at Banchory Devenick School.
Janitorial and cleaning staff are allocated as a cluster resource.
Table 6 – Current Staffing
Staff Hours (FTE)
Head Teacher 1 FTE
Teachers PSA 20hrs Permanent, 25hrs Fixed Term (OLA funded)
Admin 18 hours
1.3 FTE Permanent & 0.6 FTE Fixed Term
Catering Assistant 15 hours Permanent
3.0 Recommendation
3.1 3.2 3.3 Note the risks and the financial implications of the repairs to Banchory Devenick
School.
Provide comment on the viability of the school.
Decide the preferred option and instruct officers on next steps.
4.0 Financial Implications
4.1 Capital and revenue implications of each option and sub-options will be
determined in future reports.
Report by: S38(1)(b)
S38(1)(b)
Date: 22 January 2026
, Learning Estates and
Options Appraisal Checklist
Summary information to be provided for each factor – or marked N/A – and signed
off when complete
Factors Number of Schools
Potentially Affected
Project: School within a School:
Emergency response
Two – Banchory Devenick and receiving
school for decant
Date/
Initials
Primary / Secondary Primary Same Cluster or Cross
Cluster Impact
Same cluster Drivers Pupil Safety – deterioration of boiler flue –
school may need immediate decant or works
after the xmas break
School Roll Forecast
Summary
12-12-
25
12-12-
25
12-12-
25
12-12-
25
12-12-
25
28 on roll – two classes of 14 each (P1-3 and
P4-7) Roll potentially remaining static or
increasing but this is largely due to OOZ
requests from ACC.
13 pupils total living in zone.
8 pupils in NHS data from 2026 to 2028. All
current P1s are ACC
Option 1 – Portlethen Primary
Portlethen Primary has 210 on roll with
capacity of 342. 9 classes and 12 class
capacity. Sufficient capacity for temporary
school within a school
Option 2 – Fishermoss School
Current roll 254 with capacity of 358. 10
classes this session and 12/13 class
capacity. Sufficient capacity for temporary
school within a school.
Housing Summary No housing in Banchory Devenick catchment Placing Request
Summary
12-12-
25
12-12-
25
Majority of roll are Aberdeen City pupils on
placing requests.
10 in zone pupils, 2 others from
Aberdeenshire, 16 pupils OOZ and OOA –
Aberdeen City.
Building Factors –
Suitability or Condition
Transport Implications Condition – Grade B
Condition costs £534,064
Suitability Grade A
1 contract – 11 pupils £136.59 per day. This
could be re-routed to PPS
Catering Implications Currently a servery- meals from Portlethen
Primary
12-12-
25
12-12-
25
12-12-
25
Financial Implications Staffing Implications Risks of Proceeding Risks of Not
Proceeding
Informal Discussions
with HT
Informal Discussions
with QIO/QIM
Discussed with HoS Initial Discussion with
PC Chair/Vice
SLT Briefing Paper
SWOT Analysis –
Number of options &
outcome
Range of Educational
Benefits Identified?
Place and Wellbeing
Assessment
Integrated Impact
Assessment
If boiler flues can be replaced this would be
cost of c. £15k if full boiler replacement
required this is IRO £180k. Costs will also be
involved for transportation of pupils to school
within a school, value tbc.
Head Teacher – , QIO –
. QIM –
F/T Perm 35 1.00
HT
P/T Perm 21 0.60
P/T Perm 24.5 0.70
P/T Fixed 21 0.60
PSA - Core: 20.0 hours permanent
OLA funded: 25.0 hours fixed term
Catering Staff – 1 catering assistant
(Catering Officer to be point of
contact w/c 15/12)
Janitorial
Admin Staff – 1 x 18hrs (
senior admin covering)
Transition of pupils to another school –
associated transport changes
Safety risks Discussion prior to end of term suggested
that Fishermoss would be preferable to
Portlethen for potential decant.
12-12-
25
12-12-
25
12-12-
25
12-12-
25
6-1-26
12-12-
25
Scoring
School(s)
Baseline
Suitability
Condition
Option
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
S W O T Total
Option- - - - 0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
Option- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0
Option- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 0 0 - - 0 0 - - 0 0 - - 0 0 - - 0 0 - - 0 0 - - 0 0 - - 0 0 - - 0 0 - - 0 0 - - 0 0 - - 0 0 - - 0 0 - - 0 0 - - 0 0 - - 0 0 0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
Option- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
Option- - - - 0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
1
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Learning Estates Sharepoint Banchory-Devenick 07/09/2026
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Officer knowledge and expertise. The officers carrying out the search are the ones undertaking the assessment 07/09/2026
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FOI audit form v1.2 March 2022