A LACK of a supply teachers is still causing a problem in Scotland - including in Education Secretary Michael Russell's old school.
A new survey shows councils across Scotland are struggling to fill posts this year with one of the worst problems at Marr College, the secondary in Troon where Mr Russell was a pupil.
South Ayrshire Council said three out of eight English teachers were currently off at Marr College with officials unable to secure adequate supply cover.
As a result, first, second and third year students are not getting as many English lessons from a qualified English teacher as they should be.
Other councils also said they were experiencing difficulties finding appropriate supply staff. The shortage, which has been recorded over the past few years, results from a pay deal agreed in 2011 by the Scottish Government, local councils and teaching union the Educational Institute of Scotland.
The deal cut pay for supply teachers for the first five days of any placement.
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