Parents and pupils staged a protest supporting Bayble

Education officials had pushed for Bayble and Daliburgh - which provide S1/2 level education only - to be shut because of costs and falling rolls.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's education committee has recommended the decision be deferred until consultation concludes on other proposed closures.

Parents and pupils staged a protest to coincide with Tuesday's meeting.

The councillors' view was that the decision on Bayble on Lewis and Daliburgh on South Uist should be delayed until public consultation on secondary education provision in five other areas is finished in early summer.

This recommendation will go to the full council next Thursday.

Bayble and Daliburgh provide S1/2 education, before the pupils go to larger academies for the rest of their secondary education.

Teaching jobs

Meanwhile, parents and grandparents have been signing an online petition to protest at cuts to the education budget proposed by Highland Council.

The Independent/SNP ruling administration is seeking approval of its budget by councillors at a special meeting on Thursday.