Warnings are being made of an Aberdeenshire science skills shortfall, after it emerged no local teaching candidates received £20,000 bursaries last year.

Responding to parliamentary questions from MSP Alexander Burnett, the Scottish Government confirmed there have been just 11 STEM bursary awards made to Aberdeenshire teachers – and none in 2022.

Mr Burnett said: “If there are no new trainees to replace retiring science and maths teachers, that’s going to have a severe negative impact on the youth of tomorrow.

“So it’s very concerning that not a single candidate received a lucrative bursary to enter the profession.

“An average of 120 or so a year, across Scotland, doesn’t cut it. So the SNP government need to do more to promote this bursary – and to promote the north-east as a great starting location for aspiring educators.

Want to see more SNP fails? – Health Matters