A TINY Stirlingshire primary has been temporarily closed after the school roll was left empty.

After the last five pupils transferred to nearby Drymen, Buchanan Primary School in Milton of Buchanan will stay shut for the remainder of the 2017/18 as well as the 2018/19 academic seasons.

During this time, the catchment area for Drymen will be extended with free home to school transport for eligible pupils.

The decision was taken by Stirling Council's Education Committee with convener Councillor Susan McGill saying: “We are committed to providing exceptional, local learning opportunities to young people and children across the Stirling area.

“The decision to mothball any school is never taken lightly at Stirling Council. However, with the remaining five pupils choosing to attend Drymen Primary, we have agreed to mothball Buchanan Primary School for the rest of the 2016/17 period, as well as the 2018/19 session.

“During this time, the catchment area for Drymen will be extended to include the Buchanan area to ensure our children continue to be supplied with a suitable education provision and free home to school transport will be offered to eligible pupils.”

All staff have been reallocated roles within the local authority.

Cllr McGill added: “The decision to mothball Buchanan Primary is by no means permanent – the Education Committee will continue to monitor the situation and the school’s status will be reconsidered later this year.”