Parents and pupils from 11 schools picketed East Dunbartonshire Council's headquarters at the weekend.

Nearly 500 people met in Kirkintilloch to show their disgust that 24 out of 36 East Dunbartonshire schools face mergers or closure.

Mum Leonie Bell is one of those fighting to save Milngavie Primary.

East Dunbartonshire Council has proposed to close the school and merge it with another two miles away.

Leonie said: "We will not stand by and let them close or merge our schools.

"The schools under threat are some of the most successful schools in the country."

Mother-of-four Debbie Gribbon, who has two daughters at Woodhill Primary, Bishopbriggs, organised the protest.

Parents from Bearsden Primary have celebrity backing for their school.

As reported in the Evening Times, music legend Mark Knopfler, Pop Idol star Darius and children's author Julia Donaldson joined the campaign to save East Dunbartonshire's biggest primary.

A public consultation will end on February 4 before the council makes a decision.

Council leader Rhondda Geekie said the proposals are vital to address an ageing school estate and falling rolls.