
Scale of teacher crisis laid bare as school waits years for replacement
Scottish Liberal Democrats data reveals over 1,350 teaching posts in Scotland were readvertised in the last two years, including a primary school teacher position on Papa Westray, Orkney, vacant since March 2019.
Moray Council readvertised 252 teaching roles, Aberdeen 206, Shetland 90, Argyll and Bute 70, Highland Council 62, and Dumfries and Galloway 61.
Western Isles Council advertised a PE teacher role nine times, while a home economics teacher post in Aberdeen was advertised six times.
Lib Dem education spokesman Willie Rennie calls for action to make teaching more attractive, suggesting three-year packages for probationer teachers and teacher premiums for those in schools with the greatest need.
Cosla acknowledges recruitment challenges in remote areas and specific subjects, while the Scottish Government highlights increased teacher numbers and ongoing efforts to support the profession, including £186.5 million in funding for councils to increase teacher numbers.
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Aberdeen-headquartered Great British Energy and Great British Energy - Nuclear will invest more than £8.3bn over the parliament in homegrown clean power, alongside establishing a new government campus for energy. Ms Reeves stated: "These are investments to make sure the towns and cities which powered the last industrial revolution will play their part in our next industrial revolution to reduce our reliance on overseas oil and gas and protect working families from price shocks." Scotland will also receive £452m over four years to continue the delivery of City and Growth Deals across the nation. In addition, the Scottish capital will also become home to the UK's most powerful supercomputer. 2:58 Ms Reeves had earlier revealed up to a further £750m would be allocated to the University of Edinburgh project. The funding reinstates a scheme that was scrapped last year by Labour as it had not been funded by the outgoing Conservative government. 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"From the Acorn Project to a national supercomputer in Edinburgh to our defence industry, this Labour government is investing in Scotland's future while the SNP carps from the sidelines." Ms Reeves had earlier this week announced a partial U-turn in the cut to the universal winter fuel payment. The payment, worth up to £300, will be restored to pensioners in England and Wales with an income of less than £35,000 a year. In Scotland, ministers had previously revealed plans to ensure all pensioners north of the border receive a payment in 2025/26. Under the Scottish government's proposals, those in receipt of pension credit or other benefits will receive a £200 or £300 payment, depending on their age. All other pensioners will receive a reduced payment of £100. The change in policy from the UK government will bring additional money to Holyrood. 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