Spanish is on course to supplant German as the second most popular language in Scottish schools.

There are already more Spanish candidates at Intermediate 1 and 2 levels, and the subject looks likely to have more candidates at Higher for the first time next year.

There were 1,327 Higher Spanish candidates this year, a rise of 9 per cent. The number of Higher German candidates fell 10 per cent to 1,459.

Interest in French, the most popular language, is holding relatively steady. There were 4,602 Higher candidates this year.

Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the figures showed that modern languages were in good health in Scotland.