Over 1,350 Scottish Teaching Posts Readvertised Including Six-Year Vacancy on Remote Orkney Island

Data uncovered by the Scottish Liberal Democrats reveals a severe shortage of teachers in Scotland, particularly in rural and remote areas like the Western Isles and Orkney. More than 1,350 teaching posts had to be readvertised over the past two years, including a primary school teacher position on Papa Westray, an Orkney island, which has remained vacant since March 2019. The shortage affects key subjects including maths and physical education, with some roles, such as a PE teacher in Western Isles Council, being advertised multiple times. Lib Dem education spokesman Willie Rennie criticized current workforce planning and the Scottish National Party's handling of education, proposing three-year packages for probationer teachers willing to take hard-to-fill roles and incentives to reward top teachers in high-need schools. A spokesperson for Cosla acknowledged the longstanding recruitment challenges in rural areas and highlighted that newly qualified teachers often prefer central belt posts, despite the unique opportunities available in remote locations. The ongoing vacancies risk missed opportunities for young people and educators alike, underscoring a pressing need for policy changes to make teaching more attractive and sustainable in these communities.