In an era when many worry for the future of Scottish education, the Argyll school has proven to be a beacon of hope through its efforts to stop a local brain drain.

The Prizes' organisers, T4 education, said the school was "using its skill-based courses to turn around the fortunes of its predominantly rural local area, which is seen an exodus of young people lacking opportunities".

In the past a tide of young people, including the editor of this newspaper, felt they had no option but to leave Dunoon in search of those opportunities.

But in this digital age, it is possible to build a future for more young people in rural communities, to their benefit and to the nation's.

Head praises pupils and staff as Dunoon school is named on global prize shortlis...

The young gain from remaining close to family and friends, cheaper housing and - it appears - an excellent education for their own children one day.

The Scottish economy benefits from new entrepreneurial activity across the country, in communities sustained by locals living there all year round.

Dunoon Grammar School is up for an international award for the way it has retained young people in a rural area. PIC: Robert Perry.

We should take heart that judges have spotted the Scottish school's work, and look forward to the day when - once again - we see Scottish education sitting regularly at the global top table.

With that in mind, we hope Scotland's leading educationalists will be keen to learn what is going so right under the energetic leadership of head teacher David Mitchell, and flock doon the watter as fast as the Clyde ferries will allow.

Let's learn from Dunoon Grammar School - Scotsman editorial comment