Midlothian Labour MSP Rhona Brankin has given her reaction to plans by Midlothian Council to close five rural primary schools in the county. Speaking to the Midlothian Advertiser, she said:

"Parents have expressed concerns to me about the speed with which Midlothian Council is proposing to move. I have had a large number of communications from parents and local residents who are concerned about the proposals. Many people feel passionately about a school being at the centre of their rural community. Some parents have real concerns about their children being moved to inadequate buildings until new schools are built."

Ms Brankin made clear that as Midlothian's MSP, any decision on the future of the schools will not be her responsibility to make. She said:

"Decisions on school closures and improvements are obviously for Midlothian Council to take, but any decision has to be taken in line with Westminster and Holyrood legislation including the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, the Education (Scotland) Regulations 1981 and the Standards in Scotland's Schools Act 2000. Scottish Executive policy on rural communities also needs to be considered before any decisions are made."

The MSP underlined that she is taking a keen interest in the issue. She said:

"I have already met with representatives from all of the schools proposed for closure and I must say that I share many of their concerns. I met last week with Midlothian Council's Director of Education and the Cabinet member responsible for education to discuss these proposals. I expect that dialogue to continue in the coming weeks."

Ms Brankin will be attending consultation meetings in Penicuik, Greenhall and Dalkeith in the week beginning 22nd March.