Extracted transcript

January reports and February–March internal correspondence

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Archived: 14 May 2026 13:25:39
From:  
Sent: Wed, 4 Feb 2026 13:36:33
To: Laurence Findlay Anne Marie Davies Macleod  
Subject: Re: Briefing note re BDS for Co-Leaders
Importance: Normal
Sensitivity: None
Attachments:
Banchory Devenick SchoolV2 - Feb 26.docx;
We have updated the school transport section, please find attached updated briefing.
Kind regards
From: Laurence Findlay 
Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 12:16
To:  ; Anne Marie Davies Macleod ;  
Subject: RE: Briefing note re BDS for Co-Leaders
Thanks,  I will issue to the co-leaders
Regards
Laurence
From:  
Sent: 04 February 2026 10:14
To: Anne Marie Davies Macleod ;  
Cc: Laurence Findlay 
Subject: Re: Briefing note re BDS for Co-Leaders
Morning,
Please find attached a briefing note
Kind regards
From: Anne Marie Davies Macleod <[email address redacted for this public copy]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 03, 2026 18:10
To: @aberdeenshire.gov.uk>; @aberdeenshire.gov.uk>; 
@aberdeenshire.gov.uk>; @aberdeenshire.gov.uk>; 
@aberdeenshire.gov.uk>; @aberdeenshire.gov.uk>
Cc: Laurence Findlay <[email address redacted for this public copy]>
Subject: Briefing note re BDS for Co-Leaders
Morning all.
The Co-Leaders have briefed re BDS and are comfortable but would like briefing note outlining the position and legal advice coming
through.
 can you please confirm that you are happy with the approach as discussed yesterday:
Initial engagement with parents on 5 March to:
update on facilities situation
advise of intention to progress statutory consultation on closure (at March ECS committee)
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recommend that BDS relocate to Fishermoss as a 'school-within-a-school' after the Easter break to mitigate risk of disruption
to learning and to mitigate any H&S risks (with transport from home for in-zone pupils, and transport from BDS for
OOZ/City pupils).
emphasise that if we dont do a 'managed move' and the boiler fails, there will be an emergency move overnight causing
disruption to learning.
If Legal sign off on the above,  can we update the SLT report and replace the
'options' section with 'next steps' as per above.
AM
Anne-Marie Davies Macleod
Head of Service (Resources and Performance)
Education and Children’s Services
Aberdeenshire Council
Woodhill House
Westburn Road
Aberdeen
AB16 5GB
Tel: [telephone number redacted for this public copy]S38(1)(b)

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Archived: 14 May 2026 13:25:49
From: Laurence Findlay 
Sent: 04 February 2026 19:23:30
To: Cllr  Cllr  
Cc: Jim Savege Rob Simpson 
Subject: RE: Briefing note re BDS for Co-Leaders
Importance: Normal
Sensitivity: None
Thanks,  much appreciated.  and  are working on a comms timeline working back from ECS on 26th March
with comms planned with Opposition, local Cllrs, area mgr etc ahead of meeting the parents, so yes, this is all in hand.
Regards
Laurence
From: Cllr  
Sent: 04 February 2026 14:46
To: Laurence Findlay ; Cllr  
Cc: Jim Savege ; Rob Simpson 
Subject: Re: Briefing note re BDS for Co-Leaders
Thank you very much for the briefing note Laurence.
I am supportive of the proposed response to the situation. , can we
consider when we would share the information with Gwyneth and the local members please?
Many thanks and regards
Councillor for 
Aberdeenshire Council
Woodhill House
Westburn Road
Aberdeen
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AB16 5GB
You can view my privacy notice at http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/ElectedMembersPN
From: Laurence Findlay <[email address redacted for this public copy]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 12:18
To: Cllr @aberdeenshire.gov.uk>; Cllr @aberdeenshire.gov.uk>
Cc: Jim Savege <[email address redacted for this public copy]>; Rob Simpson <[email address redacted for this public copy]>
Subject: Briefing note re BDS for Co-Leaders
Afternoon  and 
 please find attached a briefing note on Banchory Devenick
School which officers in Property and ECS have prepared further to discussions and advice received from colleagues in Legal.
Regards
Laurence
Laurence Findlay
Director of Education and Children’s Services
Aberdeenshire Council
Woodhill House
Aberdeen
AB16 5GB
[telephone number redacted for this public copy]\qj
\qj
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Archived: 14 May 2026 13:25:54
From:  
Sent: Mon, 9 Feb 2026 09:23:36
To: Laurence Findlay 
Subject: Communication
Importance: Normal
Sensitivity: None
Attachments:
Outlook-A group of.png;
\cbpat3\qlGood morning Laurence,
\qlI would like to provide an update following our recent engagement regarding Banchory Devenick.
\qlDuring the scheduled meeting with Cllr   and Cllr  , Cllr 
 and I subsequently met with  later in the day to ensure  received the same information.
\qlCllr   and Cllr   requested that we brief the Ward 17 councillors (Cllrs Burnett, Aitchison, Sullivan and
Victor) at the earliest opportunity. In addition, Cllr   expressed concern about any information entering the
public domain prior to the parent meeting.
\qlA session with the Ward 17 councillors has now been arranged for tomorrow, and Anne Marie suggested that I
provide you with this update.  has also been briefed on the current position and the associated timescales
\ql
 Quality Improvement Manager, Learning Estates
Education and Children’s Services
Aberdeenshire Council
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Archived: 14 May 2026 13:25:59
From:  
Sent: Thu, 5 Mar 2026 14:43:25
To: Laurence Findlay  
Subject: BD Script
Importance: Normal
Sensitivity: None
Attachments:
Banchory Devenick School - Script.docx; Outlook-A group of.png;
Afternoon,
I have prepared the attached script for the meeting tonight, I will print off copies to take with me.
Kind regards
Learning Estates Team
Education & Children’s Services
Tel: [telephone number redacted for this public copy](LE Team)
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Archived: 14 May 2026 13:26:06
From:  
Sent: 13 March 2026 11:15:33
To: Laurence Findlay  
Subject: Notes for BD Parent Meeting
Importance: Normal
Sensitivity: None
Attachments:
Outlook-A group of.png;
Morning,
Please find attached the notes from the Banchory Devenick parent meeting last week, please let me know if you require any
changes/amendment to the notes before they are circulated to parents.
​
 Parent Meeting Notes 05.03.2026.docx​
Kind regards
Learning Estates Team
Education & Children’s Services
Tel: [telephone number redacted for this public copy](LE Team)
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Archived: 14 May 2026 13:26:12
From: Anne Marie Davies Macleod 
Sent: Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:11:26
To: Cllr  
Cc: Laurence Findlay  
Subject: Re: Banchory Devenick
Importance: Normal
Sensitivity: None
Dear Cllr ,
There has been no outcome as such.  and team have just concluded all the meetings with parents,- I think on is still
deciding. It is true, no parents so far are interested in the school-within-a-school and many have chose Lairhillock. Once the
overall position is confirmed and all parents have decided, a further briefing will be provided.
But the timeline remains the same in that BDS will be temporarily closed after Easter.
Regards,
Anne-Marie
Anne-Marie Davies Macleod
Head of Service (Resources and Performance)
Education and Children’s Services
Aberdeenshire Council
Woodhill House
Westburn Road
Aberdeen
AB16 5GB
Tel: [telephone number redacted for this public copy]From: Cllr  
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2026 10:31
To: Anne Marie Davies Macleod 
Subject: Banchory Devenick
Anne Marie,
Were ward councillors notified of the closure and that children had moved to Lairhillock? I know there was a briefing session
about the problem but I have a colleague who says  heard about the outcome from a parent.
Cllr. 
Aberdeenshire Council
Facebook: 
Twitter 
Instagram 
For my Privacy Notice which explains how I will deal with your data in the course of my duties as a councillor, please see:
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Archived: 14 May 2026 13:26:17
From:  
Sent: Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:47:31
To: Laurence Findlay Anne Marie Davies Macleod 
Cc:  
Subject: Timeline - BD School
Importance: Normal
Sensitivity: None
Attachments:
Banchory Devenick School - Timeline of Events.xlsx; Outlook-A group of.png;
Afternoon,
Please find attached a proposed timeline relating to BD School.
Kind regards
Learning Estates Team
Education & Children’s Services
Tel: [telephone number redacted for this public copy](LE Team)
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MT Report to SLT 
Date of Meeting: 28 January 2026
Title of Agenda Item: Banchory Devenick School – Heating System Failure
Responsible Person & 
Contact Details:
  Learning Estates Team 
Which Heads of Service/ 
Area Managers have seen 
sight of the finalised report 
Anne Marie Davies MacLeod, Head of Resources 
and Performance 
Allan Whyte Head of Service, Property and Facilities 
Management
Summary: 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 
Item:
15 mins 
All electronic papers should be forwarded to: 

Aberdeenshire Council 
 @aberdeenshire.gov.uk 
01467  
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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 
Property / FM context – Heating System 
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. 
2.2 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. 
2.3 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. 

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2.4 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 
2.5 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. 
2.6 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. 
2.7 Table 1 below provides a summary of the works and costs. 
Table 1 – Summary of 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
2.8 The most recent condition and survey reports show that Banchory Devenick 
School is graded ‘B’ for condition and ‘A’ for suitability.   
Strategic Review
2.9 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. 
2.10 Officers are progressing with Phase 3 of the review.  However, the strategy 
allows flexibility enabling officers to respond to emerging issues.   
2.11 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 

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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 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)
2.17 The map and Table 3 below shows the schools approximate distance from 
Banchory Devenick School. 


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Table 3 – Distance from Banchory Devenick School 
School Distance
Fishermoss School 5.5 miles
Hillside School 3.5 miles
Portlethen Primary School 4 miles
Aberdeen City 3 miles
School roll context
2.18 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 
Cohort P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7
Pupils
2.19 The school is operating with two classes, P1-3 class of 12 pupils and a P4-7 
class of 14 pupils. 
2.20 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.  
2.21 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.    
2.22 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.   
2.23 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 2028 2029 
In Zone Pupils 9 9 9 11 11
2.24 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. 
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Options for consideration 
2.26 There are 4 options for consideration for Banchory Devenick School, which are 
detailed below;
Option 1: Status Quo 
2.27 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.   
2.28 Officers would not recommend this approach. 
Option 2: Progression of repairs and maintenance requirements
2.29 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. 
2.30 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.   
2.31 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 
2.32 Portlethen School has a capacity of 342, and a current roll of 210, configured 
across 9 classes of their available 12 classrooms.   
2.33 The school currently provides meals to Banchory Devenick School.   
Option 3b – Relocate to SWS to Fishermoss School 
2.34 Fishermoss School has a capacity of 358, and a current roll of 254, configured 
cross 10 classes of their available 12 classroom spaces. 

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2.35 Initial conversations with both the QIO, Fiona Thompson and QIM, Paul Rooke 
suggest that operationally Option 3b would be preferred.  
2.36 Both of the options above would reduce the requirement for school meals to be 
delivered across the cluster. 
School Transport 
2.37 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.    
2.38 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. 
2.39 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.   
2.40 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
2.41 Children zoned to Banchory Devenick School will be entitled to home to school 
transport.   
2.42 Children residing within Aberdeenshire outwith the Banchory Devenick School 
catchment will be entitled to transport from Banchory Devenick School.   
2.43 Children residing within Aberdeen City will not be entitled to school transport. 
Staffing
2.44 Table 6 below indicates the staffing compliment at Banchory Devenick School.  
Janitorial and cleaning staff are allocated as a cluster resource.    

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Table 6 – Current Staffing 
Staff Hours (FTE)
Head Teacher 1 FTE
Teachers 1.3 FTE Permanent & 0.6 FTE Fixed Term
PSA 20hrs Permanent, 25hrs Fixed Term (OLA funded)
Admin 18 hours
Catering Assistant 15 hours Permanent
3.0  Recommendation 
3.1 Note the risks and the financial implications of the repairs to Banchory Devenick 
School. 
3.2 Provide comment on the viability of the school. 
3.3 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: , Learning Estates and 

Date: 22 January 2026 
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ECS LT Report to ECS LT 
Date of Meeting: 8 January 2026
Title of Agenda Item: Banchory Devenick School – Heating System Failure
Responsible Person & 
Contact Details:
  Learning Estates Team 
Which Heads of Service/ 
Area Managers have seen 
sight of the finalised report 
Anne Marie Davies MacLeod, Head of Resources 
and Performance 
Allan Whyte Head of Service, Property and Facilities 
Management
Summary: 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 
Item:
15 mins 
All electronic papers should be forwarded to: 

Aberdeenshire Council 
 @aberdeenshire.gov.uk 
01467  
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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. 

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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 

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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 
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
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.  
Portlethen Cluster Capacity 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Total 1,738 1,271 1,248 1,225 1,232 1,262
S38(1)(b)

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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 
2.5 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.  
2.6 Both of the options above would negate the requirement of a servery and both 
have kitchens. 
2.7 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 

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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 Note the risks and the financial implications of the repairs. 
3.2 Give comment on the viability of the school. 
3.3 Confirm the preferred option and sub-option, if a relocation is required 
3.4 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 
And  
Date: 8 January 2026 
S38(1)(b)
S38(1)(b)