MacLaren vote: 'As ever, there are two sides to the story'

IT HAS long been clear that the city's education chief has no shortage of enemies. But she might have expected more support from her own side.

As we report today, Marilyne MacLaren has only just survived a bid to oust her by her fellow Lib Dems. Now her critics say she should "do the right thing" and quit.

The failed putsch came after a tumultuous two years in which she has been slammed for three school closure plans – and throwing a parent off a forum to discuss one.

Indeed, MacLaren has too often put parents' backs up, especially in some high-handed dismissals of their concerns at public meetings.

She can be a PR disaster, not just with the public but also in her relations with some of her colleagues, who complain she doesn't consult them properly.

But, as ever, there are two sides to the story. It suits some Lib Dems for MacLaren to be their Aunt Sally, while the SNP group has never been supportive. And she has not been helped by an education department which thinks it always knows best and can bulldoze through policies.

MacLaren is by no means perfect. But she is a genuine authority on her subject and is committed to getting the best for children.

She also seems determined to take tough decisions when necessary – and to accept the blame for them. Others will have to learn to do the same as they handle wider cuts.

Delicate decision

IF THERE is one institution that does schisms well, it is the Church of Scotland.

Today members are expected to go to battle at the General Assembly over the future of its publishing arm, the Saint Andrew Press. It faces the axe as the Kirk tries to tackle a 1.2 million deficit.

Other areas are also being eyed up for cuts, but this plan has infuriated those who see it as the Kirk effectively giving up on its historic role as an intellectual leader of the nation.

The battle is certainly not lost if someone like John Brown is manning the turrets. He may be less well known than his brother Gordon, but John is a figure who commands respect – and knows better than most how to plan a winning strategy.

There is no doubt that the Kirk, like almost all bodies at these times, needs to make savings. But if there is a viable business plan which could save the Saint Andrew Press and its ten jobs then the Assembly should make sure it is given a fair chance.