Moray's leading Conservatives have called for Tomintoul and Cullen Libraries to be saved.
Cllr Tim Eagle (Buckie Ward), Leader of the Conservative Group on the Council, said: "The Conservative Group, in its alternative budget proposals, has prioritised keeping Tomintoul Library open. The SNP administration does not seem to understand how important the library is to the local community. It is heavily used by the pupils of Tomintoul Primary School and many residents of this very rural area depend on the library for internet access. It would be a disaster for the people here to lose this facility. My Conservative colleagues and I are working hard to protect this last remaining public facility in the village.
"We also believe that strenuous efforts should be taken to preserve Cullen Library. Frankly, this proposal to axe these two libraries should not have been made and the sooner it is withdrawn the better."
"It is ironic that the SNP are contemplating slashing library resources across Moray when, in opposition, they fought tooth and nail to protect them."
Moray MP Douglas Ross is backing Cllr Eagle's proposal.
Douglas said: "I have received many letters from children of Tomintoul School and concerned members of the community about this terrible proposal. They are absolutely right that every effort should be made to protect this much-used and valued service. I am delighted that Tim and his colleagues are supporting the communities in Tomintoul and Cullen and they have my 100% backing."
