A VILLAGE’S primary school is set to temporarily close due to a dwindling number of pupils.

Parents and carers of youngsters at Humbie Primary School were made aware that the school was to be “mothballed” yesterday (Thursday).

The decision was announced by Nicola McDowell, head of education at East Lothian Council.

The local authority official met with parents and carers at the beginning of the year to discuss the falling school roll and “the effect that was having on the educational experience of your children”.

In a letter to parents and carers, Ms McDowell said: “You fed back to me your feelings about the school and how valued it is in the community, as well as your concerns about its future and your aspirations for your children.

“I undertook to have a discussion with all relevant parties at East Lothian Council, using all of the most up-to-date data, in order to gather evidence that would support me to make a decision about keeping the school open next session.

“I have now completed that exercise and am writing to let you know that I have made the very difficult decision to mothball the school.

“For the period of mothballing, Pencaitland Primary School will become the temporary catchment school for those children living in the Humbie Primary School catchment.

“All children who currently get transport to Humbie Primary School will be entitled to transport to take them to Pencaitland Primary School.

“While I know that this news will not come as a surprise to you, I also know that you will feel sad that the falling school roll has resulted in this decision.”