New legislation could make it more difficult for Fife Council to close rural schools.
Five rural primary schools across the region face the axe as part of the local authority’s schools estate review. These are Wellwood, Crombie, Dunino, Rathillet and New Gilston.
The proposals are subject to widespread consultation, with decisions on the closures expected in August 2014.
But a five-year moratorium on school closures could be imposed by the Scottish Government as it seeks to clarify the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, which could see a formal presumption against the closure of rural schools introduced.
Bryan Kirkaldy, head of education for central Fife, said: “Fife Council always complies with the legal guidelines whenever we consider closing a school.
“Any new legislation introduced may alter the process that Scottish councils must follow when considering a school closure, but we will continue to work within any new guidelines in the future.”
Clarification of what is meant by ‘a presumption against closure’ in the 2010 Act was one of the recommendations made in a report by an independent commission chaired by Sheriff David Sutherland.
The commission was tasked with examining how the delivery of rural education can maximise the attainment and life chances of young people in rural areas, and the link between rural education and rural communities.
At the launch of the Scottish Government consultation, education secretary Mike Russell described school closures as an emotive issue for communities and said transparency was important when making such decisions.
Fife Council administration leader Alex Rowley accused Mr Russell of “playing politics” with the issue.
Mr Rowley said: “He needs to realise that education authorities right across Scotland are facing difficult financial challenges, with cuts imposed on them by the Holyrood Government.
“The schools estate was built for last century, certainly not this one.
“I’m a bit concerned about Mr Russell’s motives and I think he should go back and look at the outcomes of the inquiry, and take these recommendations on board.
“That’s certainly what we’ll be doing as a council.”
Mr Russell said: “Rural schools have particular importance to the local economy and the viability of rural communities.
“I want to ensure we have measures in place to protect and enhance that, while still providing councils with the flexibility they need.”