Western Isles MP and MSP express concern overschool cuts

Western Isles MP, Angus MacNeil, and MSP, Alasdair Allan, have today responded with “concern” at the extent of the local council’s plans to cut services,including schools, following last night’s stormy meeting of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.


Alasdair Allan MSP

Alasdair Allan commented:
“I have been keeping in close touch with the SNP group on the Comhairle and have been aware of their growing sense of unease about the sheer scale of the school cuts which the Comhairle is now proposing, which is why these measures did not enjoy the support of SNP Councillors.

“The SNP group’s concerns today also extended  to arguing that any wider council cuts should hit the council’s own administration, not front line services.

“I accept that not every single school will continue. However, a number of communities have been in touch with me to express their very strong concerns.  If carried through, this plan would see the Western Isles in a few years time having only half the number of schools it does now.

“Despite the £500 million cut which the London Government has made to Scotland’s budget, this year, the Scottish Government is allocating an increased share of what it has to councils. I am anxious to work with the Comhairle to find a way forward that keeps our rural communities attractive to young families.”



Angus Macneil

Angus MacNeil commented:

““School closures are always a contentious issue, and an issue no council wants to face. The Comhairle, like other local authorities, is faced with falling rolls. The Comhairle’s position on closures, however, is not shared by everyone, and not shared by SNP councillors locally.
“Constituents from every part of the Western Isles have been in touch with me, angry about these proposals. It is important that when the consultation process starts, everyone makes their views known on this important issue.

“While I realise that unfortunately some schools will close, I don’t believe that cuts on this huge scale can be justified without the permission of the people . Despite tonight’s decision I believe that this is only the beginning of the fight for many communities.”

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