Scottish primary school could be left with just one pupil

A primary school could be left with only one pupil if more children do not join ahead of next term - but there are no plans to close it.

Luing Primary School on the island of Luing, Argyll and Bute, is facing a pupil deficit ahead of the start of the 2020/21 school year in August.

The community is eager to increase the small school's enrolment, which currently has seven pupils.

Luing, which has around 200 residents, has been described as an 'ideal environment for children and young people to enjoy and grow up in'.

One pupil could be left at Scottish primary school if more pupils don't join ahead of next term

Argyll and Bute Council claim they have no plans to close the school if more pupils aren't registered by August.

Local councillor Elaine Roberston said: "Luing is a lovely island and in common with many island communities, needs young families to retain a balanced population and a sustainable future.

"The school is a vital component in sustaining the balance.

"I would encourage young families to move to Luing, it is a beautiful island, close to the mainland, an ideal environment for children and young people to enjoy and grow up in."

One of seven Slate Islands, Luing is 16 miles south of Oban, Argyll and can be reached by a short ferry ride from neighboring Seil.

A spokeswoman from Argyll and Bute Council said: "We have no plans to close any of our schools, including Luing Primary.

"The future success of Argyll and Bute is built on a growing population, and this is something the council and its partners are very much focused on.

"Our Rural Growth Deal is one means of securing investment that will see Argyll and Bute lead the way in key sectors like marine science and food and drink.

"We have also recently launched a new website, www.abplace2b.scot, to promote living and working in Argyll and Bute.

"This builds on the very successful #abplace2b which is being used by the council, its partners and members of the public on social media to direct positive national and international attention to Argyll and Bute.

"The website brings together information that anyone wishing to move to Argyll and Bute would want to know, and has links to information on services, schools, jobs and things to do.

"It also offers local businesses and people the chance for promotion, by explaining why they have chosen to put down roots here.

"We want to make Argyll and Bute a place people choose to live, learn, work and do business.

"Our aspiration is to ensure that Argyll and Bute is the best place in Scotland for our children to grow.

"Our vision is that together we will realise, equality excellence and ambition."