Latest news with #KinrossCouncil
STV News
2 days ago
- STV News
School 'lost' autistic girl for entire day before she was found in toilet
A school in Perth has admitted failings after staff 'lost' a pupil with autism for more than six hours before she was found in a toilet. The girl, who attends Oakbank Primary School in Perth, was mistakenly marked absent and left unsupervised for an entire school day. After she was absent on Thursday, June 19, the school's principal misinterpreted an email on Friday morning from the child's parent about her absence as confirmation she would also be absent that day. But the pupil was chaperoned to school and arrived after 9.15am via the main entrance, where a 'handover' process regularly takes place. She attends the specialist intensive support provision within the school full-time, but was not escorted to class by a member of staff as per the procedure. The girl, who also has anxiety, made her way into a toilet without being detected by staff and spent six hours in a cubicle on the hottest day of the year so far in Scotland. In a report following an investigation by the school, the head teacher admitted the child was 'mistakenly marked absent', was not registered, and the parents did not receive notification of the absence. Despite multiple staff members accessing the toilet area, no one noticed her presence. She was only found when the taxi chaperone arrived again at 3pm to collect her, with the driver told by staff they thought she was absent. The girl was located 'calm and safe, playing on her iPad', according to the report. Her parents say they were contacted by the school at around 4pm. They raised a formal complaint with the school, which has been upheld, and have contacted the head of education at Perth and Kinross Council. The school admitted failings in dealing with late arrivals, mistakenly marking pupils absent, a lack of communication between staff and to parents and failures in the handover process. The report also found there was an over-reliance on informal communication, whereby verbal confirmations were accepted. The school conducted an investigation and has implemented new procedures, including all pupils being required to come through the main entrance. The parents say this is unacceptable as their child has special sensory needs, and children with ASD often struggle in loud, busy, crowded places. A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: 'We cannot comment on the individual circumstances of our pupils, however any situation which adversely impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our schools is of significant concern to us. 'In such circumstances, we will investigate in line with our policies and work with parents and carers to understand why any incident occurred and to take meaningful steps towards resolution to prevent any recurrence.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
STV News
3 days ago
- Business
- STV News
Council to provide £250,000 to support those impacted by city centre fire
Perth and Kinross Council will provide £250,000 to support residents and businesses impacted by a fatal fire. A man died in the blaze that took place on 41 Scott Street in Perth city centre in the early hours of Saturday, June 14. The building was also destroyed in the fire and demolition work is already underway. Several residential and business properties remain closed for safety reasons, and 55 households have had to be rehoused as a result of the damage caused. The local council's Finance and Resources Committee approved releasing the money from the Communities Earmarked Reserve when it met on Wednesday. Councillor Grant Laing, vice convenor of the Finance and Resources Committee, said: 'It is still early days, and it is likely that there will be a call for other funding, but it is important that the Council stands with our citizens and communities in their hour of need. 'So today I am proposing the immediate allocation of £250,000 from the Communities earmarked Reserve to support those very communities. 'Specifically, as well as augmenting the Scottish Welfare Fund and Financial Insecurity Fund, this investment will assist residents affected by rent shortfalls who are not eligible for other support. 'For businesses directly impacted by the demolition and closures, funding to support their immediate recovery costs as well as future expenses linked to reopening or relocation. 'Looking ahead, we may also look at how we encourage footfall back into the areas affected.' Finance and Resources Convenor Councillor Stewart Donaldson added: 'There will be additional funding but it is vital we provide immediate support to all those impacted by the fire. 'This was a devastating event and I would like to thank everyone who has provided support to those affected. The response from communities across Perth and Kinross has been inspiring.' Perth and Kinross Council hosted a drop-in session for those affected by the fire on Tuesday, which offered advice on a range of issues. Partner agencies providing support also attended. A second session will take place on Friday. Supported by Pete Wishart MP and John Swinney MSP, it will have a focus on insurance issues. The event will be attended by representatives of Perth-based insurance firm Aviva and the Association of British Insurers. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The National
17-06-2025
- General
- The National
50 families to be rehomed and building demolished after Perth fire
Emergency services were called to the city's Scott Street at around 1.50am on Saturday after officers patrolling the area spotted the fire. A total of 12 fire appliances were called to the scene to deal with structural collapses at the height of the blaze. A man was pronounced dead at the scene. An eight-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man were taken to hospital for treatment. READ MORE: Misogynistic attacks on Nicola Sturgeon lead to real threats, Kate Forbes warns Perth and Kinross Council said it is looking to accommodate around 50 families in the aftermath of the fire, according to Sky News. The local authority added it is seeking support from local landlords and Airbnb owners to help provide alternative housing for those affected. Eric Drysdale, deputy leader of the council, said structural engineers have deemed the entire building unsafe and unsalvageable. He said: 'As things stand, the building is a serious risk to health and safety. Unfortunately, this means that the whole building will require complete demolition.' The work is expected to take around 24 weeks for completion. (Image: Momchil Ivanov/PA Wire) Councillor Drysdale added: 'But it is possible that it could be concluded earlier if there are no complications.' The British Red Cross said it is supporting the families who were evacuated and that volunteers are providing clothing, hygiene items and other items to those who need it whilst unable to access their belongings or homes. The charity also provided cash assistance, signposting and sourced beds for the rest centre. Eleanor Stack, British Red Cross operations lead for Crisis Response, said the charity's volunteers are specially trained to help people if they need to talk following the distressing incident. She said: 'It is extremely distressing to be evacuated from your home. Everyone experiences emergencies differently, and needs vary based on individual circumstance. 'The British Red Cross is helping people at hotels, working with other local partners, to help make sure support is in place. 'Our emergency response volunteers are specially trained to help people if they need to talk. Volunteers are also checking people have everything they need, be that clothing or toiletries and anything else they require to make them feel more comfortable.' A joint investigation into the incident has been launched by Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Police said a temporary airspace restriction is also in place in the Scott Street and South Street areas until 1pm on Wednesday, June 18, for security and safety. The restrictions include drones and people must check if it is legal to fly in your area as it is a criminal offence to fly in restricted airspace. Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell, divisional commander for Tayside said: 'Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this fire. 'Our enquiries remain ongoing to establish the cause of the fire and we would like to thank the local community for their co-operation and support and officers remain in the area. 'Road closures and cordons remain in place to ensure safety and allow enquiries to be carried out. 'We are reviewing CCTV and speaking to residents and I would appeal for anyone with any information which could assist to contact us. 'Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0380 of June 14, 2025.'
The National
17-06-2025
- General
- The National
Dozens of families to be rehomed following fatal Perth fire
Emergency services were called to the city's Scott Street at around 1.50am on Saturday after officers patrolling the area spotted the fire. A total of 12 fire appliances were called to the scene to deal with structural collapses at the height of the blaze. A man was pronounced dead at the scene. An eight-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man were taken to hospital for treatment. READ MORE: Misogynistic attacks on Nicola Sturgeon lead to real threats, Kate Forbes warns Perth and Kinross Council said it is looking to accommodate around 50 families in the aftermath of the fire, according to Sky News. The local authority added it is seeking support from local landlords and Airbnb owners to help provide alternative housing for those affected. Eric Drysdale, deputy leader of the council, said structural engineers have deemed the entire building unsafe and unsalvageable. He said: 'As things stand, the building is a serious risk to health and safety. Unfortunately, this means that the whole building will require complete demolition.' The work is expected to take around 24 weeks for completion. (Image: Momchil Ivanov/PA Wire) Councillor Drysdale added: 'But it is possible that it could be concluded earlier if there are no complications.' The British Red Cross said it is supporting the families who were evacuated and that volunteers are providing clothing, hygiene items and other items to those who need it whilst unable to access their belongings or homes. The charity also provided cash assistance, signposting and sourced beds for the rest centre. Eleanor Stack, British Red Cross operations lead for Crisis Response, said the charity's volunteers are specially trained to help people if they need to talk following the distressing incident. She said: 'It is extremely distressing to be evacuated from your home. Everyone experiences emergencies differently, and needs vary based on individual circumstance. 'The British Red Cross is helping people at hotels, working with other local partners, to help make sure support is in place. 'Our emergency response volunteers are specially trained to help people if they need to talk. Volunteers are also checking people have everything they need, be that clothing or toiletries and anything else they require to make them feel more comfortable.' A joint investigation into the incident has been launched by Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Police said a temporary airspace restriction is also in place in the Scott Street and South Street areas until 1pm on Wednesday, June 18, for security and safety. The restrictions include drones and people must check if it is legal to fly in your area as it is a criminal offence to fly in restricted airspace. Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell, divisional commander for Tayside said: 'Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this fire. 'Our enquiries remain ongoing to establish the cause of the fire and we would like to thank the local community for their co-operation and support and officers remain in the area. 'Road closures and cordons remain in place to ensure safety and allow enquiries to be carried out. 'We are reviewing CCTV and speaking to residents and I would appeal for anyone with any information which could assist to contact us. 'Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0380 of June 14, 2025.'
The Courier
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Blaze-hit Loch Tay crannog could return as Taymouth events space
The former Scottish Crannog Centre could be set to rise from the ashes as part of the Taymouth Marina and Resort. Plans to turn the defunct Loch Tay attraction into a cafe, bar and events space have been lodged with Perth and Kinross Council. This could involve the reinstatement of its replica Iron Age crannog, which was destroyed in a fire in 2021. Taymouth Marina bosses say the resort has become so popular since the launch of its HotBox Spa that it needs a new social area for guests. And developers say the site's position and panoramic views of Loch Tay and Ben Lawers could offer 'an inviting and unique venue for small events'. The land, just outside Kenmore on the south side of Loch Tay, is owned by Taymouth Marina and Resort. It was home to the Scottish Crannog Centre museum, shop and on-shore Iron Age village until last year when the blaze-hit attraction reopened at a new location on the other side of the loch. Strathtay Developments is behind the new plan. It wants to change the use of the old Crannog Centre to service small events, private functions and dining. The crannog structure would be reconstructed as 'a symbolic and functional element of the site'. And the on-shore buildings would be 'sensitively restored' to include a new commercial kitchen, multi-use interior space and outdoor terrace. A planning statement, submitted alongside the application says: 'The proposal shall incorporate the reinstatement of the original thatched Crannog, using retained timber elements from the original walkway.' The developers say regenerating the former Crannog Centre site will enhance the resort's existing facilities and create permanent new jobs. The statement explains: 'Taymouth Marina and Resort has gained significant growth in recent years due to the success of the Hot Box Spa and the increased demand of informal and high-quality social spaces within a resort atmosphere.' However, this popularity has put pressure on the resort's Ferryman's Inn, which is now operating at full capacity. The statement goes on: 'The applicant has identified the former Crannog Centre as a location to offer alternative space which will provide a communal hub for resort guests which can also be used for small events.' The development could create four jobs. That's on top of the 58 full-time and 20 seasonal workers already employed at the resort. Taymouth Marina chiefs told The Courier they have nothing to add at the moment. But they say they recognise the site's historical importance and are committed to working with stakeholders. The plans can be viewed here.
