Problem
The New School at Butterstone is to close following financial difficulties. The independent school is home to children who live with challenges such as Asperger syndrome, Autism spectrum conditions, ADHD, Tourette's syndrome and Foetal Alcohol syndrome who cannot be catered for in mainstream school.

Solution
The Scottish Government needs to step in and broker a rescue package to help local authorities fund places to ensure that this special facility continues its good work serving vulnerable young people

Personal story
My nephew was due to start at the school next week. His parents battled for months to secure local authority funding for his place and now his future is severely affected.