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Proposals to close and then merge schools in Lochaber would help improve the provision of education in the area, a senior councillor has suggested.

The plans for Achintore, Caol and Fort William primaries and Fort William and Lochyside Catholic schools are to be looked at by the Scottish government.

It said consultation on the projects were flawed.

Highland Council's education committee chairman Bill Fernie said the plans were complex but right for the area.

Mr Fernie said he was disappointed the Scottish government had called in the proposals for further consideration.

He said: "In this process you will never satisfy everybody.

"It is very difficult to satisfy every single person who may have differing views for what the council is proposing.

"But I hope that in the course of time we will still manage to go ahead with improving the school situation in that area."