MOTIVATING teachers to do better is the best way of improving schools, Alex Salmond, the Scottish National Party leader, told heads in a keynote address.

Mr Salmond put investment in staff ahead of cuts in class sizes. “You cannot change the system for the better unless you motivate the people within it,” he stated.

Catholic schools should continue so long as Catholics want them, Mr Salmond said. “This is not done out of some grudging acceptance of a historic obligation but in celebration of the rich diversity of Scotland and in recognition of the excellence and contribution of the Catholic education system to our country.”