Monday notes

Bright, fairly sunny day, although not terribly warm - only 14C. I think I prefer that to conditions in Greece, where 40C / 105F has contributed to the fire disaster.

Here in the islands, the Western Isles Council [Comhairle nan Eilean Siar] will debate proposals tonight to close 11 schools across the island chain. The issue is related to a revision of the national curriculum. At the moment, junior secondary school pupils on outlying areas are taught at their local primary school in special secondary classes. After the first two years, they all go to the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway. Proposals are for all secondary units to close, with pupils going to the Nicolson, to Linaclete School in Benbecula or Castlebay School in Barra respectively. In the next few years, several small primary schools will be closed down altogether. Names mentioned are Bragar in Lewis, Cliasmol in Harris, Stoneybridge in Uist and Craigston in Barra.

The proposals have caused uproar in local communities. The junior secondaries were put in place to allow youngsters to be taught closer to home, rather than having to face hour-long (if not more) bus journeys each way every day. The discussion in the Comhairle debating chamber up the road promises to be a lively one tonight. The Scottish Executive, when advised of the proposals last week, reacted with surprise if not anger.