Following publication of the Proposal Paper on Monday 23 February 2026, the Council was notified by a consultee of a minor typographical error in the document relating to the proposal for the permanent closure of Bothkennar Primary School and the permanent zoning of its catchment area to Beancross Primary School.

The error appears in Section 12: Financial Implications, paragraph 6, where Slamannan Primary School was incorrectly referenced in relation to additional transport costs. This should have referred to Beancross Primary School, reflecting the current temporary catchment arrangements. The corrected text is:

“Beancross Primary School is detailed as the receiving school, due to the current temporary catchment arrangements. Additional transport costs to Beancross Primary School are £5,200 per annum based on the current pupils in attendance, assuming the proposal was implemented.”

This correction ensures accurate information is available to consultees and does not alter the substance of the proposal, its rationale, or the educational benefits described.

In accordance with section 5(5)(b)(ii) of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, the Council has reviewed whether the consultation period should be extended as a result of this correction. The consultation period remains as previously advised, running from Monday 23 February 2026 to Friday 24 April 2026.

The revised Proposal Paper is available on the below, Participate+, Falkirk Council Libraries and Hubs, Beancross Primary School and the Falkirk Community Stadium. A copy may also be requested from Education Services.

On 19 February 2026, the Executive (including Education) agreed to progress a statutory consultation on the proposal to permanently close Bothkennar Primary School and permanently rezone the school's catchment to Beancross Primary School.

This follows preliminary engagement with the local community in 2025.

• Bothkennar Primary has been mothballed for almost 6 years, with no change in circumstances since August 2019.
• Pupil demand remains low in the catchment area, with projections showing little likelihood of significant increase.
• With primary rolls falling across the Council area, there is limited scope for re-opening to be a practical option.

Before any final decision can be taken on a permanent school closure proposal a formal consultation is required in accordance with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.

The purpose of this formal consultation is to gather the views of relevant consultees who would be immediately affected by the closure of the school and report back to the Executive (including Education) before a decision can be made.

A public meeting has been arranged and is open to all interested parties at Bothkennar Primary School on Tuesday 17 March 2026 at 18:30.

Bothkennar Primary School
Main Street
Skinflats
Falkirk
FK2 8NU 

The proposal document and notice of the consultation can be found below: