Following last year's outcry over a replacement school for Viewforth High, which was moved down Fife Council's priority list, councillors are to be invited to take part in a cross-party task force to discuss the future of schooling in the town.

Chairman of Education and Children's Services, Cllr Douglas Chapman said: "As populations move and new build housing comes, the schools situation in Kirkcaldy is challenging and we need to look at the best solutions to some of the issues affecting schooling in the town.

"I have asked officers to prepare a general briefing on some of these challenges for members in Kirkcaldy to consider. I am hopeful that following that initial briefing, informal discussions can then take place involving all the Kirkcaldy councillors to seek the best solutions before going out to public engagement and consultation."

Cllr Chapman said discussions would look at Viewforth High and its proposed replacement, to see if progress can be made on improving the current conditions for pupils.

He added: "Given the current economic climate that's going to be a very tough call but we need to look at other solutions and I am hoping Kirkcaldy councillors rise to the challenge they have been set."

Opposition leader Alex Rowley said he first called for a report into education provision in the town two months ago, asking Cllr Chapman to provide the opportunity for Kirkcaldy's councillors to discuss the issues raised.

Mr Rowley said: "The current state of Burntisland Primary and Viewforth High is unacceptable while the growth pressures on other schools in the area continue.

"I find it totally unacceptable both have slipped down the agenda while new priorities have been introduced without any proper explanation.

"We need a condition survey of these and all other high schools in Kirkcaldy, we need to know the current capacity of each school, the catchment areas, the projected roll numbers and the facilities available in the buildings."