Stevenson Welcomes SNP Government Statement on Rural Schools

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed moves by the SNP Government to deliver on their manifesto commitments on rural schools. A Scottish Government spokesperson stated yesterday (Monday) that the Government will consult this spring on a new law which would introduce a presumption against the closure of rural schools.

Commenting on the statement, Mr. Stevenson said:

“I am delighted to see that the SNP Government is fulfilling its manifesto commitments to the people of rural Scotland by consulting on a legislative presumption against rural school closures.

“Before May the SNP pledged to tighten regulations for school closures and introduce a legislative presumption against closures of rural schools. And now in our first year in Government we are moving towards delivering on that commitment and fulfilling yet another manifesto pledge.

“Access to a local school is vital to people living in rural areas of Banff & Buchan. It is important to children and parents alike that pupils are able to attend a school in their local area without the need to travel long distances every day.

“Since 1998 rural schools across Scotland have been closing at a rate of eight a year. I am extremely pleased that the SNP Government has taken positive action to tackle this trend.”

“In our eight months in power, amongst other achievements, the SNP has secured the future of Peterhead Prison, established a third dental school in Aberdeen and cut business rates for small and medium sized local businesses. This is yet another example of the SNP delivering on its manifesto commitments for Banff & Buchan.”