Tory plan to recruit teachers in Highlands as part of £550 million investment in Scottish education
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A pledge to recruit 279 teachers in the Highlands and Islands as part of a £550 million investment in Scottish education has been welcomed by Conservative candidate Edward Mountain.
Under the plan an additional 3000 teachers would be recruited.
Mr Mountain, who is contesting the Inverness and Nairn seat in next month's Scottish Parliament election, says the plan – mooted by his party – would "ensure that our children receive the teaching time and standard that they deserve".
The former MSP for the Highlands and Islands said: "I welcome the Scottish Conservatives’ ambitious plans to boost teacher numbers in the Highlands and Islands. This would also reverse the SNP’s cuts to teacher numbers, which have undermined the profession and damaged the education system."
He also claims the Scottish Government has allowed the Highland school estate "to crumble over the last decade".
Mr Mountain says government statistics show the Highlands has the highest number of primary and secondary schools in a poor condition in Scotland. The figures show that of 204 schools in the area, 69 primaries and 12 secondaries are classed in that category.
He said that from 2012-2020 only 11 new schools had been built in the Highlands, a figure that does not compare favourably with the rebuilding programme in the central belt.
Mr Mountain said: "The Highland school estate is in a poor shape and the SNP has not done enough to address the issue in the last 10 years.
"Having visited many of our Highland schools, I have been shocked by the conditions I have seen. From problems with asbestos to water leakages or insufficient heating... the list of problems is far too long.
"Pupils and teachers deserve to learn and teach in modern environments. That’s not been the priority of the SNP, though. Over the last decade it is clear that they have prioritised more funding for new schools in the central belt.
"Pupils and teachers deserve better. If re-elected, I will continue to press for more funding to modernise the Highlands’ crumbling school estate.
"Having fewer teachers has meant larger class sizes and individual pupils not being given the attention that they deserve. This has been especially damaging for children who have additional support needs.
"Recruiting more teachers will improve the quality of Scottish education and help towards closing the attainment gap.
"Improving educational opportunities for young people is one of my top priorities and, if re-elected, I will work hard to ensure the Highlands has the funding to build the teaching workforce that it needs."
