Kirsten Vandome, speaking at a South Lanarkshire Council roadshow outlining proposals to modernise Coulter and Lamington Primaries, believes that upgrading both schools on their existing sites would be a much better option.

"Moving to Coulter is a real concern for me," Kirsten said.

"The journey to school from Roberton for my seven-year-old daughter Ailish would be almost doubled, from four to seven and a half miles."

The council is currently consulting parents on two options:

* Merging Coulter and Lamington Primary Schools on the site of the current Coulter Primary School;

* Replacing Coulter Primary School with a two classroom primary on the existing school site and replacing Lamington Primary School on its existing school site.

A consultation document has been issued to parents of both schools and other key stakeholders to ensure that everyone has the chance to have their say.

The document can also be downloaded from the council's website. Responses must be returned by the deadline of Friday, October 2.

South Lanarkshire Council leader, Councillor Eddie McAvoy, said: "We recognise that a rural school is often the hub for communities so it is important that as many people as possible are included in this consultation."

Meanwhile, the Scottish Government last week introduced legislation to protect schools threatened with closure. It has been welcomed by several local politicians.

For more information on this story, pick up a copy of this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.