Local authorities must look at early interventions and other contributing factors before mothballing rural schools and nurseries, according to Finlay Carson MSP.
The Galloway and West Dumfries MSP met with senior Scottish Government officials this week along with South of Scotland MSP Colin Smyth to discuss local depopulation and the pressures it is now placing on maintaining schools.
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP admitted the situation had worsened in recent years with some pupils being denied curriculum choices – something that has to be addressed quickly to ensure young people obtain the skills and qualifications that matter.
Mr Carson said: “Dalry Secondary School was a prime example where the old building is probably not fit for purpose and needs significant investment.
“Yes, of course, there are financial pressures involved but what has to be taken into consideration also is the impact mothballing of rural schools has on communities as a whole.
“Why would young couples and families want to move somewhere with children if there is no school. The impact goes far beyond and there is often no joined up thinking, like what will happen to the local shop or new housing being built.”
The local constituency MSP insists local authorities have a duty to look at other factors before simply going down the mothballing route.
He continued: “If we are being honest few, if any schools that have been mothballed ever reopen. Sometimes the decisions are taken too late on in the decline of the school roll process where with a bit of early intervention, mothballing could be prevented.
“We should be investing in local communities and taking a new holistic approach towards education such as encouraging apprenticeships in renewables, forestry and land.
“Local colleges need to support traditional skills as well as the creation of centres of excellence that will benefit our young people.
“At present the Scottish Government can only really check that the process has been followed rather than intervene. But, perhaps, new guidance could be drafted to ensure that mothballing should be seen as the last resort.”
