Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 30 May 2000 For Use: Immediately

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Chairman of Education, Mr. Norman L. Macdonald, is calling for the Scottish Executive to provide clear guidance to local authorities on school combinations.

The Education Committee has also agreed to embark upon an extensive consultation on the future of the Nicolson Institute and Lews Castle School with staff at the two schools and all relevant trades unions.

Mr. Macdonald's call for guidance from the Scottish Executive is in the light of the complexities of the legislation surrounding the possible combination of the Nicolson Institute and Lews Castle schools. A previous attempt at combination by the Comhairle was thwarted by legal action.

Speaking today following a meeting of the Education Committee, Mr. Macdonald said:

"Our experience in this matter and our discussions with legal experts demonstrates the complexities that face local authorities which are attempting to combine schools. Even amongst the experts there are differences of opinion which, in the event of legal challenges, can leave local authorities exposed.

It is now apparent to me that there must be clear guidance in order that local authorities have all the necessary information to enable them to take decisions. It is after all, the future education of our children that we are talking about. Right from the outset we have stressed that our actions have always been with the intention of putting in place the best possible educational resource that we can for our children and young people. My own feeling is that the public deserves better and clearer legislation and I would call on the Scottish Executive to launch a thorough review of the legislation."

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer