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Many points were made and many questions asked. Several parents raised the matter of travel to school, whether European legislation covered the long day which bus travellers had to put in (for some students, this amounted to a 44 hour week), and whether because of their remoteness from a community school Tayside pupils did or did not enjoy equal rights to those living nearer Madras College.

A strong sense of community emanated from the meeting and in his summing up Professor McKiernan said he was aware of a feeling among many speakers that a school was needed in the North Fife/Tayside area. On the question of location, several speakers said they would ideally wish their children to be able to make their own way to school, though others stressed the affection and respect in which Madras is held and their reluctance to lose its advantages. It was also pointed out that in any event there was a serious shortage of community facilities in the Gauldry/Wormit/Newport/Tayport area and that that need would have to be addressed in any event.

On the subject of ongoing repairs, Professor McKiernan indicated that Health and Safety issues were the main levers to action, but that after a certain point had been reached a total refurbishment became necessary or else there was a risk of throwing good money after bad. That was why he hoped Fife Council would continue to engage in constructive discussion and to take matters forward urgently.

Considerable debate took place about school size - the Scottish average secondary school being around 900 in contrast with North East Fife’s average of around 1400. Research had established that the optimum size for carrying through the full curriculum was between 1000 and 1200.

In conclusion Professor McKiernan asked those present to continue to be involved in ongoing dialogue with the School Board by letter or via its new website. He reminded the meeting that candidates for elected office were well aware of the issues and that since elections were in the offing, politicians might reasonably be asked what their views were on such an important matter.

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