A lack of teachers for specific subjects is "holding back" pupils in Scotland's schools from careers in the science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) sectors, a Conservative MSP has said.

Liz Smith called on the Scottish Government to introduce science teachers for primary schools to help fix the problem as it consults on its new blueprint for the sector.

She said figures revealed teachers for maths, computing and chemistry had fallen by 410, 187 and 105 respectively in the past decade.

She told the Scottish Parliament on Thursday: "There are lots of budding scientists out there but there is something that is holding them back.

"In Scotland, I think a large part of that problem relates to teacher shortages in our schools, not general shortages but specific shortages."

She said having dedicated science teachers in primary schools would help encourage children into Stem careers.

Education secretary John Swinney accused Ms Smith of "inconsistency" in demanding the government prioritise literacy and numeracy as well as having dedicated primary school teachers specialising in science.

Ms Smith replied: "It's not an either/or situation."

Mr Swinney said he would "give greater priority" on literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing over Stem education.

He added: "I simply point out the contradiction in the argument that Liz Smith is making to me that we need to strengthen literacy and numeracy but also science as well.

"The broad general education has got to cover all these issues but there has to be priority given to other factors."

Labour MSP Iain Gray said: "The government document acknowledges that early years and primary school are crucial for Stem but there's no new plan, no new action and no new funding to reflect the importance of it."

He accused the Scottish Government of inaction and said Stem subjects were being squeezed.

SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "We recognised that there was a dip last year, although I would point out over the longer term the numbers are pointing in the right direction."

She said student intake for chemistry, maths, physics and computing is improving with "action being taken year by year", and the Scottish Government planned to improve the numbers of Stem teachers in secondary schools.