The Scottish Executive will have the final say over the closure

Stirling Council said pupils attending Lochearnhead Primary may be missing out because of a falling school roll.

The authority's executive has proposed sending the children to Strathyre Primary, more than five miles away.

A full meeting of Stirling Council is to consider the plans, which would have to be approved by Scottish ministers because of the travel involved.

A report by council education chiefs said the Lochearnhead pupils would be better served at Strathyre, but pointed out the strong local opposition to the closure.

Limited curriculum

Margaret Brisley, executive member with responsibility for children's services, said: "We have listened to the views of those involved with considerable care and sensitivity.

"However, we must put the needs of children first and we feel, based on the findings of the review, they will have better learning opportunities at Strathyre Primary School."

Lochearnhead has been hit with a declining pupil population which has seen the roll fall from 28 in 1990 to eight this year, despite 18 children living in its catchment area.