By Elizabeth Hunter via SWNS
A councillor has declared that “Schooly McSchool Face” will not be an acceptable name for a new high school, which is set to be chosen by the public.
Fife Council has given permission for a public consultation – inviting pupils, staff and members of the public to suggest names for the new school, which will replace Inverkeithing High School.
However, councillors have warned that “Schooly McSchool Face” will not be an appropriate suggestion.
Committee convenor David Barratt referenced the National Environment Research Council’s Name Our Ship campaign in 2016 – which resulted in the newest ship being labeled Boaty McBoatface after the option received nearly 130,000 votes.
However, a decision was later made to rename the ship to the RRS Sir David Attenborough.
“I’m pleased to hear there’s a free text box, and we can make sure we’ve got everything from the mad to the mundane, and everything in between.
“Naming anything, especially a school is quite an emotive subject and we know there will be a lot of different opinions in the community.
“That’s why we want to gather as many suggestions as possible, especially from the young people who will be attending the new school. They’re going to be hearing and using the name for a long time so we want it to mean something for them.
“Schooly McSchool Face is not going to cut it here.”
He added: “I suspect that suggestion will be made, but it won’t have my vote.”
“We want to hear from all voices in the local community so please go online and make your suggestion by 22nd January if you want to have it considered.”
The online public consultation form will go live on Jan. 22, with up to three choices shortlisted for further feedback in the following weeks.
The new name of the school is expected to be revealed after elected members meet to make a decision at the Area Committee in April.
The name submission form reads: “It is important to ensure that the views of all stakeholders in this locality are given an opportunity to suggest a new name for the replacement school.
“All suggestions will be shared with elected members at the South West Fife Area Committee on 5 February 2025 who will select up to three possible options.
“These options will then be shared with stakeholders to choose their final preference and allow a decision to be made.”
Meanwhile, construction is well underway on the school – which is set to contain a unique steel representation of the Forth Bridge, Fife’s most famous landmark.
