Students from Langholm Academy usually opt to make the 42-mile return journey to Carlisle College for their courses instead of the 80-mile round trip to Dumfries and Galloway College in Dumfries.

But cash-strapped Dumfries and Galloway Council has warned it may not be able to find the money to continue to pay for students to attend Carlisle – although it closer and travel costs are cheaper.

Borders College at Hawick has been rule out because of a lack of places, according to the D&G council.

Langholm's Conservative MP, David Mundell, says he is worried and that his fears are shared by the head teacher at the town's academy. He asked Holyrood to step in and help – but has been told by the SNP Government's schools minister, Maureen Watt, that is purely a matter for councillors.

Mr Mundell was knocked back by the previous Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition administration and blasted: "We may have had a change of Scottish Government, but they still don't recognise common sense. This is just the same old letter dusted down and sent off again – nothing has changed and it is not good enough.

"They just do not understand the particular issues facing Langholm."

In his letter to the government, Mr Mundell commented: "As you will be aware, Dumfries and Galloway Council is facing financial pressures and without flexibility in relation to the provision of funding to attend these courses at Carlisle College, I am concerned, as is the head teacher at Langholm Academy, that it will not be possible to continue with the present arrangements.''

But Ms Watt wrote back: "Following investigations by my officials, I understand that the concerns arise because Carlisle College intends to raise significantly the fees they charge for children from Langholm Academy attending the college.

"However, I also understand that dumfries and Galloway Council are actively exploring various avenues with regard to continuing with the current arrangements."

And she declared: "It is the statutory responsibility of local authorities to provide suitable education for children residing in their area. It is, therefore, entirely for Dumfries and Galloway council to consider whether they wish to continue with current arrangements and I have no remit to intervene."

But Mr Mundell hit back: "It is ridiculous to say they will not intervene.