Schools mix-up

In your article on Argyll and Bute's school estate (12 May), you quote Alan Reid MP as saying "the report clearly shows the council is planning to close schools."

This is not the case. Rather, what we are proposing is to carry out a fundamental review of our entire education estate which will look at what facilities we currently have, how they are used and how we might ensure they are more sustainable in the future.

This is in the context of a comprehensive education review that seeks to maximise the proportion of resources available for education. As we cannot predict what the outcome of that review will be, we are not in a position to rule anything in or anything out.

Given the current financial climate, all Scottish local authorities are having to look at their school estates. We are keen to ensure this is done on the basis of the most comprehensive information available.

It is regretful that Mr Reid has misrepresented our position, and in doing so caused unnecessary concern to parents and pupils. I will be inviting him to meet with me to explain our review process in more detail, in an attempt to avoid similar misrepresentation in the future.

COUNCILLOR DICK WALSH

Council Leader

Argyll and Bute Council

Kilmory, Lochgilphead