A MUSLIM faith school will be the first to open in the Scottish capital after the Scottish Government dismissed fears from the City of Edinburgh Council.
The council had initially claimed that the primary school which is set to house up to 100 pupils would create an “inappropriate” level of noise.
The plans for the school were submitted by Akeel Umar who claimed there was a growing need for a specialist Muslim school as the capital’s Muslim population continues to rise.
However, Mr Umar has revealed that whilst the school will be “underpinned” by core values of the Islamic faith, the school will have an “open to all” policy and accept children from Edinburgh.
Locals were quick to try and kibosh the plans for the school with 209 residents complaining that the school would create parking chaos.
However, more than three times as many people – 627 – offered letters of support to the council for the proposed plans, which have now been accepted.
Councillors have spoken out on behalf of their constituents with Ross McKenzie, independent councillor for Sighthill and Gorgie saying the decision “makes a mockery of planning policy”.
A social media post shared earlier this week has sparked debate online around the school with users being left divided by the plans.
The post reads: “A woman I work with (who has prejudice against pretty much anybody who isn’t ‘Scottish’) was ranting how awful this news is.
“Interestingly another one of my colleagues who had a Muslim upbringing but is now part of the LGBT+ community expressed discomfort to me.
“Saying that she felt the school would not teach that it is okay to be part of the LGBT+ community. A couple of interesting takes I thought.
“I’d rather kids weren’t separated by religion, but if other faith schools, like Roman Catholic ones are allowed to exist then I personally don’t see why some members of the Muslim community shouldn’t be allowed to operate their own school.
“As long as it follows the Scottish curriculum and adheres to Scottish Gov. standards.”
The post received dozens of likes and comments from locals who debated the plans furiously.
One user said: “Given that Catholic schools have always taken students from other religions, will this school do the same?
Do away with religious segregation in schools altogether. It’s nonsense, and, thankfully, the younger generations are less and less interested in religion.”
Another added: “All schools being non-denominational but with a multifaith quiet room would cover all bases. Could be nice for non-religious students to take a breather too.”
A third commented: “So two people unhappy because it won’t educate children to their way of thinking?”
Another replied: “So it’s a busy junction and at the same time they moved there because it’s quiet? Umm. Must admit I would not think of Calder Road as quiet.”
Speaking this week Mr Umar said: ““We are delighted to hear of the appeal outcome and look forward to serving the local communities as an educational setup, food bank, local support services hub and much more.
“We truly believe the setup at 21 Calder Road will be of a great benefit to the local community.”
