PARENTS of children at Luss Primary say they don't recognise concerns aired by the local community council at the management of the school by Argyll and Bute Council.

Last month the Advertiser reported on concerns aired by Luss and Arden Community Council over the way the village's primary school was being run – and the way the local authority had handled their complaints.

Two parents told the Advertiser that the council had failed to properly address their concerns at the management of the school, where the roll has fallen from 19 in 2013-14 to eight in the current year - making it the smallest in the Helensburgh and Lomond area.

But three local mums whose children currently attend the school say they are more than happy with the standard of education being provided.

One, Valerie Jones, said: “This isn't a new problem – it's an old issue that's just being regurgitated.

“None of us were parents at the school at the time these concerns were raised, so we can't really say anything about whether or not they were justified.

“But none of us has any issues with the school now. Luss is expanding, with new homes being built next to the school and plans by Luss Estates for lots more new houses in the area, and our concern is that parents in the area now, and potential parents in the future, might be put off by reading about issues which, in our experience, the school no longer has.”

Another parent, Annelise Norrie, added: “We're not belittling the issues some parents may have had in the past. But my little girl started at the school in August and I'm more than happy with the way she's coming on – and so are all the other parents.

“We know there aren't many of us, but we want to make it clear we're very supportive of our village school.”

A third mum, Angela Beggs, said: “The kids at the school now are actually doing really well. Parents are happy with the school, and it's quite frustrating to feel as if we have to fight our corner and stick up for the school.

“We've nothing against parents who may have had concerns in the past – we just want to put across our version of events.”

The three parents who spoke to the Advertiser also gave a statement to members of the village's community council at a meeting last week – where the trio received the backing of local Argyll and Bute councillor George Freeman.

Cllr Freeman told the Advertiser: “Although I am aware that there have been some concerns relating to the standard of education at Luss Primary School in the past, I have fully supported the school over the past ten years and successfully fought tooth and nail against the proposed closure of the school in 2010. 

“I was delighted to hear the very positive and refreshing view of the school and the standard of education that the Parent Council and parents gave at the community council meeting. 

“As I stated at the meeting, it is important that everyone separates any historical problems relating to the school or any ongoing concerns relating to the council as the education authority from the good work that is now going on at the school. 

“I would hope that everyone would continue to highlight their support for the school and the good work that is now going on there. 

“My message to the school and the Parent Council is to keep up the good work”.