A tribute to the ladies and gentlemen who pull the strings in the Scottish public education system.

"A spokesman for Alston’s school said it would not be expelling him"

Should this "PROMISING young rugby player" be expelled or left to finish his studies? He will be disciplined by the courts anyway.

Usually, students are "asked to leave" before news gets into the papers to protect the reputation of the school. This time it has happened the other way round so the reputation has already taken a bashing. But is expulsion about reputation or discipline?

Does this send out the wrong kind of message to other pupils and prospective parents?