Seven Moray libraries to be closed down

Moray Council has voted to shut seven of its 15 libraries, to save more than 拢350,000.

The seven in question are Burghead, Cullen, Dufftown, Findochty, Hopeman, Portknockie and Rothes.

The decision came in the face of a recommendation from an equality impact assessment to retain the facilities at Burghead, Cullen and Dufftown.

This was to ensure access for the elderly, families with young children, and people with a disability.

The council acknowledged the strength of opposition to the closures, but said cuts had to be made.

In February, best-selling Scottish crime writer Tony Black had urged the authority to reconsider its library closure plans as he said it would "devastate" the local community.