Pupils in some of Scotland's most remote communities are to get more help with their homework.

Argyll and Bute Council has announced it is setting up the country's first free homework helpline.

Education chiefs say it will raise standards and help overcome isolation.

Study support has been seen for some time as the key to getting better results in homework and ultimately in exams.

But while urban areas have seen the growth of homework clubs - where pupils can be supported by teachers and each other - there is not such an option in scattered rural and island communities.

Redressing the balance

Argyll and Bute says it wants to redress the balance and set up the homework helpline.

Pupils in each of the council's 10 secondary schools - which stretches from Campbeltown to Helensburgh - are being given access to a free and confidential number.

At the other end, teachers will be waiting to give help and advice on the stickier points of home study.

The scheme is being supported with money from the Scottish Executive's Education Excellence Fund.

Initially it will be confined to English, Maths and modern languages - but if it is a success it could be extended to problem solving in other subjects.