The core school holiday dates for the 2012/2013 academic year were agreed by Argyll and Bute councillors today.

The dates provide a framework into which other related dates, such as teachers’ in-service days and local holidays, will be incorporated.

Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for education and lifelong learning, Councillor Ellen Morton, said: “I know parents and carers like to know holiday periods well in advance, and I’m pleased that the 2012/13 dates have now been agreed.

“I am particularly pleased that these dates also take account of the arrangements of other neighbouring councils. Historically, there has sometimes been significant variation between schools in different council areas, which has caused problems.

“I am delighted that, as a result of discussion between local authorities, this variation has now been minimised.”

These dates will now be circulated in order that the remaining in-service days and local holidays can be agreed, before being distributed to all relevant parties.