Stone raises concerns over staff vacancies in Highland schools under the SNP

In a debate on ‘Education and Opportunity’, Far North MP, Jamie Stone, raised his concerns regarding the number of staff vacancies in Highland Schools - which has forced numerous classrooms to pool together and teach children online.

Mr Stone revealed secondary schools in Ullapool, Kinlochbervie, Farr and Gairloch had all been affected by the lack of staff - and lamented the fact this issue is compounding the severity of an already deteriorating  education system under the SNP. 

In response, the Shadow Secretary of State for Education agreed with Mr Stone - commending him for being a powerful voice for rural communities, and suggesting the House hold a future debate on the Scottish education system. 

Commenting, Mr Stone said: 

“Scotland’s education system used to be the envy of the world. However,  under this SNP Government, we have witnessed the significant and continuous decline in education standards across the country. 

“The staff do their level best under incredibly difficult conditions and it is entirely wrong today’s pupils do not have the same educational opportunities I had when I was their age. 

“I am duty bound to raise these issues. Because to sit and say nothing would be to let down an entire generation of young people and the excellent teachers who deserve better.”