'Stop this madness!' Children send message to Scottish Borders Council over future of rural nurseries
Last updated 2nd May 2025
Children across the Scottish Borders have penned letters to their local council begging them to: "Save their nurseries!"
It follows the decision by the local authority's Executive committee last month to push ahead with plans to consult communities on mothballing seven of them.
One card from a four-year-old in Cockburnspath - which is one of those under-threat - includes the message: "The nursery is my favourite place", while another child has painted a placard which reads: "Stop this madness!"
It comes ahead of a demonstration in the Berwickshire village this morning (Friday), opposing the move.
Up until now, local mum Alice Blackwell claims the youngsters' voices have been ignored.
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"Our children have been really upset by the news which broke out of the blue over the Easter break that their nursery might close," she told Greatest Hits Radio.
"Some recently made cards for the officials behind these plans and they were heartbreaking.
"They don't really understand all the reasons why the council's plans are so unfair, or why their processes are so flawed, but they do know what they feel; they know how much they love their nursery, and they understand how important the school and nursery are to our community."
More than 800 people have signed a petition supporting calls to keep Cockburnspath nursery open.
It's claimed the nearest alternative would mean a 1000-mile a month commute for parents - "impossible" for working families, and those without access to a car.
Alice said: "Closing the nursery threatens the Primary School and endangers the vibrancy and sustainability of our wonderful community. There is a real danger that families have to leave the area.
"SBC have ignored their statutory obligations around consultation and management of change in schools. Their proposals are framed as cost-saving but they have no proper assessment prepared.
"They do not value rural communities or our services and we have lost trust in their decision-making and consultation.
"The kids have been really busy making protest signs to carry this morning. And they're so colourful, so full of life, so vibrant; qualities that really reflect the special role that our amazing nursery and nursery staff have in our community."
As well as Cockburnspath, it's also been recommended mothballing Channelkirk, Ednam, Fountainhall, Walkerburn, Westruther and Yetholm in the coming year in a bid to save the local authority £400,000.
The council says all are operating at half their capacity or less, and within seven miles of a suitable alternative - although some of the figures quoted have been disputed.
At a community council meeting in Walkerburn last month, the council's Executive Member for Education, Julie Pirone, refuted suggestions that the Primary School would close if the nursery is realigned with St Ronan's in Innerleithen, but she added: "I need to hear from you why your nursery should stay open."
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