Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott MSP challenged the First Minister to bring together those responsible for shutting schools when severe weather hits.

In response the First Minister revealed that on Tuesday only 60 % of schools were open, and 20% of Scotland’s schools are still closed today. This would mean that today 544 schools remain closed.

Commenting, Mr Scott said:Tavish Scott MSP: Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats

“Parents can well understand that snow causes disruption.

“But on a fine day with no wind and a good forecast, people don’t always understand why schools are so easily closed by education authorities.

“The First Minister needs to bring those responsible in local authorities together to assess why it appears the easy option to close schools.

“Together they need to work out whether it’s a legalistic worry about people being sued, transport to and from or heating and water difficulties.

“There is potentially two more weeks of this severe weather. The go-ahead teachers who get the school open and use the snow to make learning fun should be supported. But we need to get as many schools as possible to take that approach.”