Scottish Conservative proposals seek to create a new fund aims to recruit 3000 new teachers in a bid to plug vacancies rural Scotland
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The Scottish Conservatives shadow education minister and Highland MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has backed calls for a new rural teachers fund.
He was voicing his support for the policy announced by Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross to create an estimated £30 million pot to recruit 3000 more teachers for areas in most need.
The proposal is in response to long-standing staff shortages in schools across rural Scotland and Mr Halcro Johnston cited experience of such shortages in the north.
He said: “Our number one priority must be ensuring that children get the best possible start to their education in our schools.
“But far too many schools in my region, and across rural Scotland, are struggling to deliver the curriculum due to a lack of qualified teachers, and that is putting our children at a disadvantage.
“Schooling has been neglected by the SNP, and I am delighted that Douglas has placed it firmly at the top of the Scottish Conservative’s agenda for government.”
The Scottish Government has sustained severe criticism from many quarters over its education policies – including the curriculum for excellence which is undergoing a review amid falling attainment."
