MORE than £2 million was spent by Scottish councils last year repairing the damage caused by vandals in schools.

Figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives revealed that around £45,000 every week is being spent by local authorities to address the issue – a total of £2.4m.

The costs vary from council to council, with the larger city authorities facing the steepest bills. In Glasgow, the bill ran to almost £500,000 for session 2010/11, while in Edinburgh the figure topped £47,000.

The lowest bill was in Orkney where vandals caused just £530 worth of damage.

Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative education spokeswoman, said: "It is very worrying that such a considerable sum of money is being spent on repairing the results of mindless acts of criminal damage.

"Such acts are not only irresponsible, but they also cause distress to local communities.

"The impact is even worse at a time when budgets are so tight and when the country is trying to build a meaningful Olympic legacy for our young people.

"Much tougher action is required to punish the offenders and ensure they have to pay back the costs they impose on society."

Eileen Prior, executive director of the Scottish Parent Teacher Council, added: "Vandalism is a concern across society and is not restricted to schools.

"Parents tell us they want schools to be centres of their community, open to children and families alike.

"Locked and deserted building are often magnets for vandals so our perspective is one of encouraging local authorities to make schools community hubs."