Proposal to close Lochaber special needs class

Parents in Lochaber look set to be consulted on a proposal to shut a class for pupils with severe or profound disabilities.

The special class at Banavie Primary has taken children from a wide area, with some making a 50-mile round trip to go to and from the school.

Highland Council said the pupils' accommodation was cramped and the class roll had been in decline.

All of the school's current pupils move up to Lochaber High School this August.

Numbers of pupils have declined because children with special needs were now usually taught at their local school, the local authority has said.

The education, culture and sport committee will be asked next week to agree to public consultation on the move.