Committee named to examine rural education

A HIGHLAND sheriff has been appointed to lead a review of education in rural areas.

David Sutherland, from Tain, will chair the group which was set up by the Scottish Government as part of a broad look at education and the application of the law on school closures.

Education secretary Michael Russell announced there would be a review following concerns about the way the Schools (Consultation) Act 2010 was being interpreted.

The law, passed unanimously by MSPs in 2009, was intended to strengthen the consultation process for councils applying to shut schools in rural areas.

The Act also gave ministers the power to "call in" decisions if they thought the process was flawed.

Sheriff Sutherland's group of 14 will include council leaders, executives and education directors.

They include Aberdeenshire Council leader Anne Robertson, Orkney Council leader Stephen Hagan, Inverclyde Council education convener Terry Loughran and Western Isles Council chief executive Malcolm Burr. Others include Peter Ferguson, headteacher at Auchterhouse School in Angus, and Bob Cree-Hay of the National Parents Forum. They will review the act and examine the delivery of rural education to give pupils the "best life chances".

The group will also look at links between education and rural communities and make recommendations on funding issues.

Councillor Pat Watters, president of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, said: "The task is not an easy one, but I feel sure the expertise round the table will produce a thoughtful report."