Schools' future discussed on web

The council has removed six schools from the review

The future of eight primary schools in Moray has been discussed live on the web by councillors in what was hailed as a first by a Scottish council.

Two - Cabrach and St Peter's - are now being put forward to the next stage of a process which could see them mothballed or closed.

The review has been triggered because all are on or under the required 60% occupancy rate.

Hundreds of people accessed the debate on Moray Council's website.

Chairman of the council's education committee, Alasdair Urquhart, told BBC Scotland: "There are a range of options which could include mothballing, or longer-term sustainable futures."

'Face uncertainty'

He said it would be "unfair to speculate" at this stage before officers had reported on the issue.

The other schools being discussed were Crossroads, East End, Inveravon, Knockando, Logie and Portknockie.

Key factors affecting the Moray schools are the number of pupils attending and the future use of the buildings.

A series of public meetings to look at the issues involved have already been held this year.

Moray MSP Richard Lochhead said: "Today's decision to remove a further six schools from the review process is a tremendous success for those communities that have campaigned to save their local schools.

The SNP MSP said: "St Peter's and Cabrach schools still face uncertainty and the council must work with these local communities to explore every avenue and leave no stone unturned in terms of achieving viable futures."