It seems a dichotomy exists within Midlothian Council, they have launched a CD-Rom to promote tourism within the area highlighting the beauty of Midlothian’s countryside. Somewhat contradictory because the Midlothian Cabinet voted on 26th February to pass a proposal put forward by its Director of Education to shut 5 of Midlothians rural primary schools by August 2004. A short period of consultation is set to end on 16th April.

These education proposals attack the entire concept of rural re-generation and sustainability and threaten the destruction of great swathes of Midlothians rural fabric. Community Councils, parents and members of the community have united in a fight to keep these schools open.

Residents of these areas, Borthwick, Temple, Cranston, Howgate and Cousland are questioning the timescales, fairness of the consultation period and the impact it will have on rural areas and rural economy. Mr. Osborne, a farmer in Midlothian and prospective parent of Temple primary, says about the school closures, "It is difficult enough to find people who want to work on farms, the first thing people ask when seeking employment 'is there a local school?'"

On the one hand, Midlothian council is promoting and celebrating their rural heritage while on the other makes their small rural schools the victim of urban decline. Why, even as my community tax bill landed on the carpet yesterday (£113 per month, thank you very much) I was greeted by a picture of picturesque Temple village on the cover of the breakdown of charges. Did they think that would sweeten the pill? Midlothian council have argued that village schools are not valued or used by the community but the intensity of feeling that has been provoked in all of these villages is a testament to that.

The Midlothian Rural Schools Action Group has been formed and they plan to make a direct appeal to Parliament at the shortness of time implicit in such a draconian swoop on rural life.