MPs welcome schools’ stay of execution 26/6/08
Commenting on Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar’s vote last night to suspend their planned programme of School closures in the islands, Western Isles SNP MSP Alasdair Allan said:“The Comhairle themselves have the right and the responsibility to manage their own schools and the decisions on school closures are for them to take.
“However, I hope that last night’s vote is an indication that the Comhairle have now recognised the need to listen to communities in the islands. Certainly the communities I have met with have been making their feelings about the original proposals very clear indeed. Communities clearly value their two year secondary schools very strongly.
The Comhairle now have, I hope, an opportunity to formulate a strategy for education provision in the islands and to engage meaningfully with the community about what form that provision should take.”
Commenting Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP Angus MacNeil said: “This is a welcome decision and I hope that this research will show the educational benefits of the 2 year secondary schools in the islands.
“When school closures are being looked at, that they do remember the large travelling distances involved when schools are being mooted for closure.
“No one stood at last year’s election on a mandate to close schools.”
