A new teacher training course has been launched to attract science and technology graduates to rural schools.

The universities will work with schools in areas of high deprivation in Aberdeenshire, Argyll and Bute, the Borders and the Highlands to help between 30 and 50 students qualify for a masters level diploma in teaching

The course, run by University of Dundee and the University of the Highlands and Islands, is also aimed at those looking to change careers and enter the profession

Education secretary John Swinney said: "We know that some areas face challenges in recruiting teachers in certain subject areas and this means that we need to think differently about how we attract new recruits into the classroom.

"This innovative proposal is designed to broaden the range of people entering the profession - providing a challenging, yet extremely rewarding, opportunity to train in rural schools within areas of high deprivation.

"Crucially, this route maintains the traditionally high standard of teaching in Scotland and I am pleased to support it with a quarter of million pounds from the Attainment Scotland Fund."

The course will run from December 2018 to June 2020 and will be open to graduates with a minimum 2:1 honours degree in chemistry, physics, home economics, maths and engineering.