It was revealed this week that a hearing is scheduled for next month that will decide what happens next in the case being heard in Edbinburgh’s Court of Session.

East Renfrewshire Council have said they are considering alternative sites in the long running saga that has seen community groups, individuals and council bosses come to loggerheads over the construction of the £22 million school in the grounds of the Cowan Park.

A spokesman for East Renfrewshire Council said: “A procedural hearing is set for 20 November. This hearing will be to discuss the arrangements for further proceedings.” The appeal was launched after Lord Tyne said the court did not have the powers to grant the permission to build on the Cowan Park that East Renfrewshire Council needed.

This is because the Cowan Park lend is classed as Common Good Land, after it was left to the people of Barrhead by James Cowan of Rosshall in 1910.

In effect, East Renfrewshire Council remain stewards of the land, and permissions surrounding the building of the land are clouded by legal technicalities.

After the ownership issue was highlighted by members of the community, East Renfrewshire Council took it upon themselves to launch a court case to clarify the issue once and for all.

However the very future of the project has been left in limbo after the court decision went against the local authority, which it described as “extremely disappointing.” And while an appeal was swiftly launched, council bosses said they will consider alternative sites, but it is still too early to tell how long the lengthy appeal process could last.

The spokesman added: “It is difficult to estimate how long the process will take to reach a conclusion, as this will be determined by whatever is decided at the November 20, hearing and the availability of Court time thereafter.”