As an Aberlour quine, I have fond memories of my time as a Speyside High School pupil, and like to keep up with news of my alma mater.

But I was astounded to read the latest – that kids from Craigellachie will soon be expected to walk just over two miles to the secondary school in Aberlour.

For those that don’t know the area well, the only safe walking route between the villages of Aberlour and Craigellachie is the Speyside Way.

I use the term ‘safe’ loosely here.

What is the Speyside Way?

This picturesque stretch of the popular Speyside Way walking route, once a railway line, runs between the River Spey and the A95.

Moray Council has changed its entitlement criteria for free school transport from two miles to three miles for secondary school pupils.

This unlit path, trail, whatever you want to call it, flanked by field and forest, has been assessed as a ‘safe walking route’.

I left Aberlour when I left........

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