FOURTEEN island primary schools and four S1/S2 units could close in the coming years.
Balallan, Cross, Lochmaddy, Sandwick, Stoneybridge, Bragar, Carloway, Scalpay, Shelibost, Eriskay, Eoligarry, Bernera, Tolsta and Tong Primaries are all on a list of schools which could close by 2018.
Also the S1/2 units at Daliburgh, Paible, Li
onel and Shawbost are included in the planned closures.
At next week's meeting of the Education and Children's Services Committee, councillors will be told of the latest developments in the review of educational provision and the Comhairle's future strategy for the schools estate.
They will be asked to approve the programme for community conversations on the situation and also the broad timetable for statutory consultation.
It is also recommended that the amalgamation of schools should only occur when plans are in place for the receiving school to be remodelled and categorised as at least condition B.
The reasons for the review of education are due to the decline in schools rolls; the general tightening financial settlement; the bad condition of many of the school buildings and the challenges presented by the Curriculum for Excellence.
