SCOTTISH headteachers have said raising pension contributions for promoted staff may lead to a shortage of future school leaders.

The School Leaders Scotland (SLS) union issued the warning amidst plans to make senior staff pay a greater proportion of pension contribution rises.

Teachers pay contributions of 6.4% of their salary to pensions but, under proposals, staff on more than £15,000 a year would pay more. Increases range from 0.6% for teachers earning up to £25,999 to 1.6% for those on between £40,000 and £74,999 and 2.4% for those on £112,000 or above.

Ken Cunningham, general secretary of SLS, said: "We maintain our deep concern over tiered contributions and the significant financial demands this places on school leaders."