Lionel school closure

Scottish Government ministers have decided not to call in the Comhairle’s decision to axe Lionel secondary school.

Lionel will now shut for good at the end of June. Affected Ness pupils will transfer to the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway from August.

Councillors debated the issue in February. It ended in a tied vote with councillors split 15-15 over axing the S2 school in Ness, Lewis.

To campaigners anger, convenor Norman Macdonald used his casting vote to seal its fate.

Lionel S2 School loses last chance, Scottish Government rejects call-in

7 April 2015

Education Minister Angela Constance had to review the council’s process and, despite receiving a number of public representations against closure - including criticisms of the process and doubts over the council’s figures - now signalled she will not take up her right to call-in the case.

Western Isles education chairperson, Catriona Stewart, said: “Discontinuing education provision is never an easy process and so it proved in the proposals for Lionel.

“However, this was always about providing the best possible education for pupils and whilst I recognise there were concerns amongst parents and pupils it is now important that we move on and provide that education for the benefit of the pupils.“

She added: “The Education Department will begin discussions with parents and pupils next week with a view to putting in place arrangements for a smooth transition period.

“I am pleased that the Scottish Government have recognised that the Comhairle has met its obligations during what has been, at times, a difficult period for the community and the Comhairle.”