News / Education secretary visit
SCOTTISH education secretary Mike Russell is visiting Shetland on Tuesday next week, one day before councillors vote on the latest attempt to close several of Shetland’s primary and secondary school in a bid to save £3 million.
No details of the visit have yet been released, but it is understood to be a coincidence that it comes the same week as such a controversial subject comes up for debate in the council chamber.
The consultation on closing Olnafirth primary school in Voe was put on hold last year after Russell set up the Commission for Rural Education to examine the criteria for closing small schools in remote areas.
The Commission includes two Shetland residents, MSYP Emily Shaw and west side parent and Shetland representative on the National Parent Council Bob Cree-Hay.
Last year Russell blocked the council’s decision to close Burravoe primary school, probably due to the poor inspectors report received by Mid Yell primary department where the pupils would have been sent.
However he gave the go ahead for the closure of Scalloway secondary department and Uyeasound primary school.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
