Parents and pupils plan mass protest against cuts

THOUSANDS of parents and pupils are expected to march on Edinburgh City Chambers in protest against threatened education cuts.

A mass demonstration has been called for 9 February – just two days before councillors are due to set their next budget.

Parents groups fear further school closures as the council strives to save some 90million over the next three years.

One group of campaigning parents of pupils at Bruntsfield Primary has circulated a leaflet stating: "We must act now to ensure the council does not vote for these cuts on 11 February."

The Scotsman revealed earlier this month that all 23 of the capital's headteachers had written to the council pleading for a rethink over plans to enforce a 2.5 per cent cut in their budgets.

Four schools have already been chosen for closure in Edinburgh, as they are running at only 33 per cent to 41 per cent capacity.

Hot school meals for secondary pupils would also be axed, while the council has proposed banning repair work in school buildings unless the health and safety of pupils is at risk.