On Thursday evening, Martine joined me at the Parent Council meeting.  Over the last six years the Parent Council members were crucial in keeping alive the hope of significant investment in Elgin High School and in lobbying to achieve better facilities for the pupils.  We were able to give them a positive update on developments.  Martine has been very busy getting the planning applications ready for submission so that deadlines can be met.  Meanwhile, the Senior Leadership Team have spent time looking over the initial plans.  I have also started holding meetings with department staff. It has been very encouraging to hear the ideas of teachers as to how spaces can be used imaginatively to make the most of the proposed facilities.  There have also been some creative discussions about the use of the schools grounds to encourage outdoor learning.  The next key point in the process will be Thursday afternoon when there will be another meeting with the architects.  We are on schedule for the programme of consultation starting in May.