Seven Moray libraries to be closed down

Moray Council has voted to shut seven of its 15 libraries, to save more than £350,000.

The seven in question are Burghead, Cullen, Dufftown, Findochty, Hopeman, Portknockie and Rothes.

The decision came in the face of a recommendation from an equality impact assessment to retain the facilities at Burghead, Cullen and Dufftown.

This was to ensure access for the elderly, families with young children, and people with a disability.

The council acknowledged the strength of opposition to the closures, but said cuts had to be made.

In February, best-selling Scottish crime writer Tony Black had urged the authority to reconsider its library closure plans as he said it would "devastate" the local community.