‘Woeful’ pace of computer rollout comes under attack

Less than 15 per cent of South Lanarkshire school pupils have been provided with a free laptop or tablet promised by the Scottish Government.

According to data provided by the Scottish Conservatives, just 12 per cent of kids have been given a new laptop or tablet, with 5544 devices having been distributed out of 45,091 pupils.

In neighbouring North Lanarkshire the figures were only slightly higher, with 6933 devices distributed out of 49,232 pupils – just over 14 per cent.

TheTories’Central Scotland MSP Meghan Gallacher called the failure“appalling”.

She said:“This is typical case of the SNP overpromising and then completely failing to deliver.

“Our children and young people are let down at every turn by SNP Ministers and it is woeful only 11 per cent of them in my region have received a laptop or tablet.

“This was a flagship election promise trumpeted by Nicola Sturgeon, John Swinney and SNP figures.

“It is clear they simply are not going to meet it.

“After two years of disruption to their education, our pupils deserve far better than failed promises.

“This will hit our most deprived pupils the most, despite Nicola Sturgeon’s repeated pledge to close the attainment gap in our schools.

“Those words ring hollow now with these new statistics being revealed. Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP need to urgently pick up the pace and ensure these devices reach our pupils as soon as possible.”

During the 2021 Holyrood election period, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Deputy First Minister John Swinney said every child in Scotland would get a free laptop or internet device.

It would see every school pupil in Scotland between P1 and S6 provided with an ageappropriate laptop, Chromebook or tablet for use in school and at home – with each coming with a free internet connection.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said:“By the end of this parliamentary term, the Scottish Government will provide funding to ensure that every school-aged child in Scotland has access to an appropriate digital device and connectivity to support their learning.

“Discussions with local government are underway to deliver this ambitious and key commitment.”