New protections for rural schools 26/2/14
Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan has welcomed new protections in law for Scotland’s rural schools contained in the Children and Young People’s Bill passed by the Scottish Parliament.
Alasdair Allan commented: “This new legislation sets out to strengthen the law around the closure of schools, and particularly rural schools. The Scottish Government has already offered a number of new protections since it passed the Schools Consultation (Scotland) Act 2010 but this week’s measures seek to go further.
“The new legislation defines much more clearly what is meant in law by a ‘presumption against closure’ for rural schools.
“It also maintains the right of government minsters to call-
“As someone who is committed to the future of rural schools I have confidence that these measures are helpful to rural communities, particularly the many communities within the Western Isles which rely on their own local schools, and this is among many reasons why I believe that the Children’s Bill will benefit Scotland’s young people.”