Conservatoire in lessons talks

SCOTLAND’S top talent school has held talks with West Lothian council over its plans to cease free tuition for stringed instruments.

Professor Jeffrey Sharkey, principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, told MSPS he has met with the council to urge them to keep string provision alive.

He said: “We want to make the case in partnership with all parties and with government that the country will benefit from the creative learning that access to the performing arts provides.”

A West Lothian Council spokesman said: “We held a constructive meeting with Professor Sharkey, and will be exploring further the ideas discussed.” www.rcs.ac.uk