Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, has urged constituents across the Highlands & Islands to make their views known on proposed new legislation on school closures.
The Scottish Government recently published its consultation paper setting out the policy proposals for amendments to the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. It aims to take forward recommendations made by the Commission on the Delivery of Rural Education.
Speaking today Jamie, who during his time as an MSP has consistently supported the preservation of rural schools throughout his region, said:
“ Rural primary schools are a key part of the fabric of our rural and island communities and I am very clear that the presumption should be against closure except in the most exceptional of circumstances.
“ I welcomed the establishment by the Scottish Government of the Commission on the Delivery of Rural Education and many of its recommendations and I look forward to improved legislation being established which ensures genuine community consultation.
“ I hope that many parents, teachers and other constituents across the Highlands & Islands, including those who have faced the closure of their local school in recent years and who have been extremely dissatisfied with current proposed closure procedures, will take part in the consultation on this new legislation and make their views known to the government.”
The consultation is due to run until 2 September 2013.