I was saddened to read your two news stories about the closure of Torridon Primary and the two-year suspension of headteacher Anne Macrae (17 August). Your report did not give a fair account.
I was Miss Macrae’s headteacher in Lochcarron Primary. She was a fabulous teacher. After my retirement, I did supply work for her in Torridon Primary. One only had to step inside to appreciate the rich learning environment. The new curriculum is what she had in place.
Personal criticisms of Miss Macrae in the 2010 HMIE report were unfair because she was off work and unwell. How can it be just to make personal criticisms of someone and put these in the public domain when the person has no input and no right to reply?
Miss Macrae’s teaching is imaginative and inspiring. Two of her ex-pupils went on to become dux of their high school. Torridon Primary just oozed quality, and attainment had been 100 per cent year on year for some time.
What has been happening just doesn’t make sense. Both sides of the case need to be tested fairly, with an external panel of senior educationalists unassociated with HMIE or Highland Council.
Cathy Ross, former headteacher.