FINDINGS of a consultation into a merger plan affecting 10 schools have been published.

North Lanarkshire Council and Education Scotland have been investigating the impact of several primary and secondary mergers.

They are part of a £500million school campus scheme that began in 2006.

The proposals include:

l The merger of Our Lady's High School and Taylor High School on a new state-of-the-art campus at Ravenscraig:

l The merger of St Edward's and St Dominic's Primary Schools on a joint campus with Tollbrae Primary School, in Airdrie.

l The merger of Carnbroe and Sikeside Primary Schools on a joint campus with St Stephen's Primary School, in Coatbridge.

l The merger of Dunrobin and Petersburn Primary Schools in Airdrie.

Councillor Jim Logue, Convener of Learning and Leisure Services, said: "The proposals for a new multi-million pound campus on Ravens­craig are part of our schools modernisation programme which ­began in 2006.

"This has resulted in more than £500m being invested in creating new schools, nurseries and community facilities.

"The consultation report addresses the areas raised during the extensive consultation process.

"I'm delighted Education Scotland agrees with North Lanarkshire Council that the proposed new campus with high-quality technology for learning has the potential to deliver some educational benefits."

Parents have protested the proposed changes, particularly in those affecting Our Lady's and Taylor High Schools, but Education Scotland did not express concern about any of the options.

Mr Logue added: "It's understandable that people are very protective and proud of their own schools.

"However, this is about providing current and future generations of pupils with first-class facilities appropriate to the needs of the modern curriculum."

The consultation reports will be discussed at a special meeting of the Learning and Leisure Services Committee on September 10 at 9.30am.

If the proposals are approved they will then go to a meeting of the full council later that same day.