I think the record of Catholic schools is first rate in Scotland. They are popular and effective and serve thousands of pupils well. It is interesting that none of the criticism of Catholic schools is based on their education record. I think that speaks volumes.

Alongside their educational record there is another issue of principle that I believe is equally important. I cannot conceive of changing the arrangement that was reached between the state and the Catholic Church without the agreement of the other party to that deal. Our bottom line has to be that Catholic schools remain for as long as the Catholic community in Scotland wants to have them.

Catholic schools are often cast as being somehow responsible for the scourge of sectarianism. I don¹t accept this argument and have not seen a shred of evidence to justify it. At its worst it seems to reject plurality in society on the alter of conformity.

Sectarian attitudes are deeply concerning but a very separate issue can and must be tackled in a range of ways. A strong signal in this regard would be the removal of the state sectarianism that is institutionalised in the Act of Settlement.

In summary instead of politicians lining up to attack Catholic education we should celebrate the distinctive contribution that Catholic schools make to Scottish education as a whole. We should conduct this debate in a positive and constructive way rather than a negative and defensive one.

On the wider issue of faith schools, I agree that we must listen to representations from within the Muslim community, in particular, and make a full assessment of the demand for Muslim schools. We already have the good example of the success of Scotland's Catholic schools and our successful Jewish school. My experience, strengthened by speaking to people around Scotland, is that our diversity as a nation is also one of our strengths. As a starting point I think we need honest criteria agreed and, if there is sustainable demand from within the community, move ahead with a pilot project within the state sector. I feel certain that this is the best way forward on this issue.

ALEX SALMOND MP, LEADER OF THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY

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