A fresh wave of community protest has erupted in the Scottish Borders, as parents rally against Scottish Borders Council’s (SBC) proposal to close several rural nurseries. The nursery closure protest in the Scottish Borders was held in Cockburnspath—one of six villages facing the potential loss of early years education facilities.
Last month, SBC voted to move ahead with plans that could see six nurseries closed due to what the council described as “consistently low attendance.” The affected sites are reportedly operating at 50% capacity or less, prompting council officials to consider mothballing them.
The local authority has stated that alternative nursery provision is available within what it calls an “acceptable distance,” and it has pledged to hold “meaningful consultation” before any final closures are confirmed.
Parents Demand Reconsideration
Parents and local campaigners argue that the proposals were announced with little notice and fear the closures could disrupt families and damage community cohesion. Dozens of children have posted handwritten letters to SBC Chief Executive David Robertson, appealing for the nurseries to remain open.
Demonstrators in Cockburnspath are calling for greater transparency and longer timelines for consultation. They argue that the closures would disproportionately impact rural communities where travel to alternative facilities is not always practical for working families.
Celebrity Support Adds Momentum
The campaign has received high-profile backing from actor Jack Lowden, who grew up in Oxton, one of the villages affected by the proposed closures. The Channelkirk nursery in Oxton is among those at risk.
Parents are hopeful that growing public support and pressure will force SBC to reconsider the decision and find alternative solutions to boost nursery enrolment rather than shutting down local services.
