Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association

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Hi fellow educational professionals and trade unionists

I am emailing you about an issue which goes beyond the relatively small, ideological differences between the various trade unions and associations. It is an issue directly related to Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights - the right to respect for private and family life.

I am a Depute Head Teacher at Kirkwall Grammar School in Orkney. I have recently returned to live in my native Scotland after an absence of just over 5 years, working with my wife of 9 years, Kristee, in the field of international education (in China, India, Qatar and most recently, Egypt). Kristee, our son Kyle (aged 15 years) and our daughter, Nyah (aged 3 years) are all Australian citizens.

We have been advised by the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) that Kristee, Kyle and Nyah will soon have to travel to Australia to apply for the 'proper entry clearance' to return to Scotland. The waiting time, in Australia, to have their applications approved could take up to 6 months which would mean that, among other things:

• I would not see my family for up to 6 months
• Kyle would miss more than half of his 4th year studies, making it extremely difficult to attain good grades in his Standard Grades
• Nyah would be unable to start her nursery in August
• My family would experience quite severe financial consequences. Read more