Letter: Russell is right

This latest attempt to "get" an SNP minister has very much fallen flat on its face (your report, 13 January). Michael Russell has indeed become a local hero with Argyll parents. The proposed closure of 25 rural schools and the concomitant devastation of rural communities in Argyll may now, it seems, be halted.

Even the alleged savings that are claimed for such closures are doubtful. A substantial part of the claimed cost savings are based on no longer having to pay headteacher salaries of the closed schools.

However, due to a long-standing agreement with the teaching unions, headteachers are guaranteed three years conserved salaries after a school closure. This fact, combined with hugely increased transport costs, makes any savings highly marginal in comparison with the social, human and educational costs.

Argyll and Bute Council has always claimed it can absorb redundant headteachers into the system within these three years. In this case almost 25 existing headteachers would have to retire or move to positions outwith Argyll and Bute for this to happen.

Such a claim is clearly specious in this case. Michael Russell is entirely right to encourage his local party to fight this tooth and tail, regardless of where he sends his e-mails from.

Alan Clayton

Letters Way

Strachur, Argyll