Angus nurseries to close due to low demand despite opposition

Proposals to close two Angus nursery classes due to low demand for places have been approved by councillors.

Proposals to mothball the early learning classes (ELC) at Colliston and Cortachy went before councillors at a meeting of the Angus Council’s family, education and justice committee on Tuesday.

A report drafted ahead of the committee outlined that the previous uptake at Cortachy has been between five and eight children each year.

However, for August 2026, there were just three children. Meanwhile, at Colliston, there were just two youngsters this year.

Councillors approved the closure of nursery classes

A consultation on the proposals was carried out in August to seek the views of parents, the parent council, the community council and other interested parties in the area.

In Colliston, all 32 respondents to the consultation opposed the idea, and all 19 respondents in Cortachy were also against the move.

Despite this, councillors unanimously approved plans to close both classes for three years from August 2027.

The proposals stop short of axing them altogether and leave the door open to them restarting if demand increases to five or more applications at either location.

During the meeting, council officers made assurances that the authority is “absolutely committed” to keeping applications for the classes open for parents who wish to apply.

SNP councillor Beth Whiteside, when discussing the ELC at Colliston, said: “It’s understandable that there is concern in the local communities.

“However, I think the keyword here is temporary, and I think the council has taken a total common-sense approach to this.”