More than 9,500 attacks on teachers have taken place in Scottish schools over the last three years, according to new figures.

Schools in Glasgow account for almost half of all attacks this year so far - 1,218.

Over the same period, however, Edinburgh has experienced just 25 incidents.

And none were recorded in the Western Isles, Orkney or Clackmannanshire.

Read more: ‘No entitlement to university places for the middle classes’

The Scottish Liberal Democrats, who obtained the statistics under Freedom Of Information (FOI) legislation, described the number of attacks on Scottish teachers as “utterly unacceptable”.

In total the party discovered there had been 9,543 attacks on teachers, either by pupils or their parents, since 2014/15.

Lib Dem education spokesman Tavish Scott said: “It is utterly unacceptable for anyone to be assaulted when they are at work. It is no different for teachers, yet they have been the victim of attacks on almost 10,000 occasions.

“These are incredibly concerning figures. Teachers work day in day out to make sure our children are given every opportunity to achieve their potential and get on in life.

“Children and teachers must feel that their school is a safe place where they feel comfortable, confident and ready to learn. Violence, or even the fear of such disruption, can hold that back.

“The Scottish Government must set out how it will support local authorities and schools in tackling this problem and reversing this worrying trend.”

Read more: ‘No entitlement to university places for the middle classes’

A Scottish Government spokesman said that the vast majority of pupils were well-behaved and "a credit to Scotland".

However, he added: "Any attack on a teacher is one too many and the Scottish Government is committed to working with our partners to continue to improve relationships and behaviour in schools.”

Scottish ministers are currently working with schools through a series of anti-violence programmes.

Read more: ‘No entitlement to university places for the middle classes’

Research is also underway to survey headteachers, teachers and support staff at primary and secondary schools across Scotland, on the behaviour of pupils.