Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 09 June 2000 For Use: Immediately

All schools in the Western Isles will benefit from a government cash injection of new money. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s share of the extra resources announced by the Chancellor in this year’s budget totals £553,000.

The extra cash is aimed at raising standards but can be spent at the discretion of each school in areas such as buildings, information technology, staff development, books, equipment and educational materials.

Councillor Norman L Macdonald, Chairman of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Education Committee, said the cash was a welcome additional boost. He added, "this Council is committed to the maintenance and raising of educational standards, not only with respect to the buildings but to the services delivered within them. Our young people are our most vital asset and a fundamental aspect of education at the beginning of the 21st century is that attention is focussed on the individual needs of every pupil. This latest injection will aid this process and is very much to be welcomed. The Government has placed education as a top priority and hopefully the Parliament can devise ways of continuing to fund the process of improving standards through the provision of additional resources on an ongoing basis".

Acting Director of Education, Murdo Macleod, also welcomed the announcement by Scotland’s Education Minister, Sam Galbraith, and stated that Headteachers were particularly pleased as it would enable them to advance some of the initiatives identified in their School Development Plans.

All primary schools will receive at least £3,000 with £9,000 going to the largest. Secondary schools will receive £30,000 with at least £40,000 going to the largest.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer