SCOTLAND’S schools spent more than £81 million — or £220,000 a day — on supply teachers last year.

Figures from 30 of the country’s 32 local authorities show a total bill of £81.5m was run up 2016/17.

The data was obtained by the Scottish Liberal Democrats through Freedom of Information.

Glasgow City Council had the highest bill at £16.6m, followed by North Lanarkshire at £11.5m.

Shetland Islands Council spent the least at £312,861. Neither West Lothian nor North Ayrshire provided figures.

Data from 27 out of 32 councils showed a supply teacher cost of £66.1 million in 2015/16.

The LibDems also revealed there were 795 unfilled teaching posts when pupils returned to school after the summer holidays this year.

The party’s education spokesman Tavish Scott said: “Local authorities are spending more than £220,000 a day on supply teachers.

“This money could be better invested in ensuring schools have enough permanent staff in the first place. There are many quality, hardworking supply teachers who do a great job filling classroom gaps.

“Children’s education is better when they have consistency in the classroom.

“The lack of a permanent teacher over a prolonged period can be a hindrance to their education.

“This bill also shows it is time

we gave the teaching profession a well-overdue boost. A new wide-ranging independent review needs to look at teachers’ pay, conditions, numbers and support and pave the way for meaningful changes.”