PARENTS fighting to take a closure-hit Catholic primary school into community control have held talks with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Campaigners from St Joseph's, in Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire, said they were encouraged by the talks and would hold a follow-up meeting in the coming weeks.
Paula Speirs, whose son attends St Joseph's, said: "We are all feeling much more optimistic after a really good meeting with the First Minister.
"We were delighted she spent over an hour with us and that she really seemed to listen. Nicola Sturgeon told us that she would consider our ideas for a community-led school and meet with us again.
"This is just the beginning of the process, but the Scottish Government's willingness to engage with us is a really big step forward. St Joseph's is a fantastic school supported by a vibrant community in Milngavie and we believe that if we all pull together we can give our children the best possible education in their own community."
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "The First Minister was delighted to meet parents from St Joseph's to discuss the decision by East Dunbartonshire Council to close the school.
"Ms Sturgeon was impressed by the dedication of the parents to the education of their children and was happy to talk through the process that has taken place to date. The First Minister has undertaken to consider the points made in the meeting.
"During the helpful and constructive discussions, the First Minister explained that the decision to close the school was one for the local authority to take and she urged them to make further representations to councillors to put forth their views and that of the community."
The parents also met with Ruth Davidson, the leader of the Scottish Conservative Party, who has recently backed their plan.
She said: "As the parents involved with St Joseph's have demonstrated there are communities out there who have a plan and are determined to make a difference.
"If we are truly serious about tackling the attainment gap then we must think boldly. We must expand choice, empower teachers and enable local communities to have a greater say."
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