Sophie Milne (14) was one of seven local athletes due to take part in the two-day Scottish Power Joint Track and Field Championships at Grangemouth, which started on Friday.

But the group were left disappointed after the school informed them the Tuesday beforehand that they couldn't arrange transport.

Instead, parents and coaches from the Montrose and District Athletics Club were forced to change their working arrangements so they themselves could take the pupils to the competition.

Incredibly, the parents of the participating youngsters were also contacted by the school on the Friday of the event to ask why their children weren't attending school.

It's the second time in four months the pupils have been left hung out to dry after the school failed to arrange transport to the national indoor championships in February.

Sophie said: "We couldn't believe that our school had been so unthoughtful. In February the school didn't arrange anything and it was left to us to arrange it at the last minute. Now it's happened again.

"They've known about this event since February so had plenty of time to get something ready.

"We asked why there was nothing and they said it was because there were no minibus drivers available. But if it was for football there wouldn't be a problem.

"Our school just isn't aware that it has some of Scotland's top 10 athletes attending there and they don't seem interested. The teachers didn't even ask how we got on when we returned."

Angry parents also contacted the Review to complain about the shambolic organisation of the trip to the championships, saying they felt the school just wasn't interested in helping young athletes progress, but seemed happy to take credit for their progress.

They added that they would like to see more symmetry with other sports, pointing to the amount of resources dedicated towards rugby or football.

A spokesperson for the council said staff shortages meant resources couldn't be dedicated towards transporting the athletes.

"Unfortunately on this occasion there was not enough staff available to offer transport. Pupils and parents were informed of this two weeks ago.

"While schools in Angus endeavour to support pupils where they can, it is common across Scotland for pupils to make their own arrangements to attend such events."