Teachers in Scotland overstretched by staff shortages
There were nearly 730 teacher vacancies in Scotland's schools as pupils returned after their summer break, figures have shown.
A freedom of information request by the Liberal Democrats has shown that there are nearly 730 teacher vacancies in Scotland's schools as pupils returned after their summer break.
The figures showed 388 primary teacher vacancies and 341 for secondary schools as of 9 August.
Argyll and Bute recorded the most vacancies at 200.
The area with the second highest vacancy rate was Aberdeen, where 86 vacancies were recorded, followed by the Borders at 47.
Liberal Democrat education spokesman Tavish Scott said "Thousands of pupils faced the prospect of going back to school without a dedicated class teacher in place.
"This can only increase pressure on other teachers and make life more difficult for those pupils who need the most support."
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