Although not directly related to our campaign, this article supports the benefits and achievements of rural schools.

Link to The Press and Journal's Website Article.

A Small village primary school in Angus is believed to have emerged as the best in the country, following a glowing inspectors' report.

Monikie Primary School, near Carnoustie, scored a record-breaking 14 "very goods" out of a possible 15 categories.

It is thought no other school in Scotland has scored so highly.

The school's head teacher, Trish Torz, was also highly praised for her "inspirational leadership". Inspectors described the work ethic at the 106-pupil school, whose former pupils include Hollywood actor Alan Cumming, as "empowering and uplifting".

Mrs Torz said she had been told the report was the best ever. The school received no unsatisfactory or fair marks and only one good with the rest all being very goods.

The school is now bracing itself for requests from parents outside of the catchment area for places for their children.

Mrs Torz, 43, said: "I've been told by some people it's the best report they have read in Scotland. It's all down to teamwork. We just all work really well together. We make sure everyone in the school feels empowered, both staff and the children.

"We are over the moon. We want to be the best we can be."

A team from HM Inspectorate of Education went into the school in November last year and were particularly pleased with the levels of attainment in maths and English.

It described some of the school's key strengths as "very strong support of parents and the very good behaviour of pupils, the commitment and professionalism of all staff and the inspirational leadership of the head teacher".