Luing Primary listed for disposal was 'mistake'

Luing Primary School has been mothballed by Argyll and Bute Council since 2020 due to a lack of pupils but it was included in a list of assets proposed to be disposed of by the authority in its budgeting pack for the 2026/27 financial year.

However, executive director Douglas Hendry confirmed that was done in error and confirmed that the school remains mothballed.

The discussion took place at a meeting of the council’s policy and resources committee on Thursday, February 19.

Councillor Andrew Vennard (Conservative, Oban North and Lorn) referred to correspondence sent the day before the meeting and said: “It mentions Luing Primary School, but I gather that was included by mistake.

“I do know that sometimes when the council lists that a site is for disposal, that can mean a lease. I know there was a community interest in the building. Is there any more information that can be given?”

Mr Hendry then said: “I can confirm that the inclusion in that list was an error. There was a proposal considered by the community services committee to close Luing Primary, but that was not accepted.

“That freezes the position for a period of five years, so there are no proposals at this stage to look at disposal of Luing Primary. Hopefully that reassurance is helpful and we will seek to make that position clear.”

The council’s community services committee voted against a proposal to end education provision at Luing Primary in March 2024. Mothballing was then continued for a further year in March 2025.

Councillor Kieron Green (Independent, Oban North and Lorn) had also written in an email to Luing Community Council, the day before the policy and resources committee met, that the school was not being marketed or considered for disposal.

He said in that email: “I reiterate that the position remains as set out at the last community council meeting with a report coming to the community services committee in March which will recommend a further extension to mothballing.

“As stated in my earlier email Luing Primary School is not being marketed or actively considered for disposal. It remains mothballed and available for educational provision to resume should there be sufficient demand.”