THE head teacher at Helensburgh's only independent school says she's "delighted" with the response from parents to a fund-raising appeal.

Lomond School held an information session for parents on Tuesday night ahead of the new term starting to answer questions about how the cash appeal fits with the school's business plan.

A source has claimed to the Advertiser that the school had warned it needed funds to prevent "immediate closure".

They claimed the current deficit at the school is "believed to be close to £1million" following deficits in previous years.

They said there might not be "sufficient funds to pay teachers' salaries or cover overheads without an immediate cash injection from parents".

The Advertiser put those claims in full to the school, who said they were grateful for the support of the school community.

Claire Chisholm, principal at Lomond School, said: “Every independent school in the UK has faced economic challenges over the last five years and many have reached out to their school communities and alumni to assist with a range of projects and initiatives, just as Lomond School is doing now.

"We are delighted with the positive response we have received so far from the Lomond School community.

“The charity’s accounts will be filed in the coming days, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming staff and pupils back on August 15 for the new school year.

“We are hosting an information session for all parents on Tuesday, August 13 and will answer any questions they have, including giving further details of how the fundraiser fits into the strategic business plan for the success of the school.”

Two private schools elsewhere in Scotland announced on Tuesday that they are to close their doors.

Kilgraston School, near Bridge of Earn in Perthshire, has shut with immediate effect, while Cedars School in Greenock will close permanently at the end of September.

Both schools were believed to be in financial difficulty before the UK's new Labour government confirmed last month that it's to end the VAT exemption on private school fees.