PROBLEMS emerged on one of the main platforms used to deliver remote lessons in Scotland today as pupils logged in across the country.

If your household has been affected by issues with Microsoft Teams, you're not the only one.

Parents and schools across Scotland have reported issues with the platform running slowly or failing to load class materials.

Teachers have asked pupils to bear with them amidst surging demand for access and the trouble was affecting so many people that Nicola Sturgeon had to speak about it during her daily coronavirus briefing.

While the children of key workers and classed as vulnerable began learning in hubs last week, majority of the nation's children returned to lessons today after their Christmas break.

This was delayed due to Covid, with youngsters remaining in their homes due to the continued threat of the new virus strain. 

These remote lessons are due to last until February at least, with a review statement expected from the First Minister next week.

Microsoft Teams has said it is working on the issue.

During her daily Covid-19 briefing, the First Minister said the web tangle was "not an issue that is unique to Scotland or indeed unique to schools" and also affecting learning platform Glow.

She went on: "I don't underestimate how difficult this is both for young people learning away from friends… and for parents to juggle home schooling with working."

Earlier, St Andrews High in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, advised their communities that it's a "national issue".

And, also posting online, Bishopton Primary School in Renfrewshire said: "Some people are experiencing connectivity issues this morning. As many will remember this happened on the first day of home learning during the last lockdown.

"Whilst it is frustrating, we ask that you are patient. It should become easier as they day goes on and the initial rush to download tasks and assignments subsides.

"Please keep trying throughout the day. Remember not all tasks require you to be online. Choose another task and work on that while you are waiting."

In Edinburgh, the city council sent texts to all parents saying the local authority was "working to resolve" the "citywide problem" with the service.

And Microsoft Teams said it is "currently investigating an issue where some users in the UK region are unable to access" the system, adding: "We will provide further information as soon as this is available."

One English teacher summed the situation up with her tweet. Using a well-known meme of the reality show America's Next Top Model, she said lessons were "off to a promising start".