Aileen Campbell, SNP MSP for South of Scotland, has welcomed a vote in the Scottish Parliament which will strengthen the protection afforded to rural schools threatened with closure.  During the debate before the vote, Aileen raised the proposed merger of Coulter and Lamington Primaries as an example of the need for rigorous consultation among the community.

The Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Bill was passed without disagreement in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 19th November.  The new law aims to revise and strengthen the statutory consultation process required when education authorities are considering changes to the school estate, particularly school closures, with a key aim of safeguarding rural schools and communities.  The new law is expected to come into force on 1st April 2010, although local authorities are encouraged to follow the principles of the bill in any consultations they take before then.

Speaking during the debate, Aileen Campbell MSP, who is also a member of the Parliament’s Education Committee, said:

“In my South of Scotland area, parents, pupils and teachers in Coulter and Lamington primary schools are waiting to hear the outcome of a consultation on the future of the two sites and the possibility of a merger. Throughout the consultation period, I encouraged South Lanarkshire Council to bear in mind the principles behind the bill, even if it is not yet law. The council is well known for being quite inclusive in its approach to any school consolidation or closure programme and I welcome the steps that it has taken to consult widely on this proposal. I hope that it will thoroughly consider the responses to its consultation—and the principles of this legislation—before reaching a final decision…

“Like other members, I benefited from early education in a small rural school—which is still going strong and achieving very good HMIE reports—and have first-hand experience of such schools' valuable contribution to rural Scotland and the country as a whole.

“After all, we should note not only the good quality education that small rural schools can provide, but the added extras that often allow them to give an enhanced educational experience. Parents, local businesses and community members can play a hugely positive role in such schools and ensure that they are more than just bricks and mortar.”

Speaking outside the Parliament debating Chamber after the vote, Aileen Campbell MSP said:

“I’m glad that the Parliament was able to unite behind this new legislation, which offers added protection to rural schools in the Clydesdale area and across Scotland.

“Along with legislation to introduce free school meals and reduce class sizes, today’s vote shows that the SNP Government is committed to giving our kids the best possible start in their education.

“Having grown up in the country and attended a rural school, I know just how important places like Coulter and Lamington Primaries are to their communities, and I hope South Lanarkshire Council will take into account all the representations it has received before coming to a decision on their future.”