Plan for joint education role ditched

EAST Lothian Council has pulled out of plans to appoint a joint head of education with neighbouring Midlothian.

The new Labour-led administration claimed the decision would provide “a period of stability” for schools and the education service.

East Lothian’s former head of education, Don Ledingham, was appointed director of education and children’s services for East Lothian and Midlothian after the two councils agreed to phase in shared education services last year.

And a new head of education was due to be recruited to work under him. But the new administration now plans to appoint a head of education to work solely for East Lothian.

Shared services have been promoted as a cost-effective way for smaller councils to pool resources and achieve savings.

SNP group leader Paul McLennan said the decision was “a missed opportunity”.