FIVE school teachers in the Helensburgh and Lomond area were subjected to physical attacks during the 2017/18 session.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act also show that there were a further four verbal attacks on Argyll and Bute Council staff in Helensburgh and Lomond since July 1, 2017.

The statistics have come to light as details have emerged of other attacks on teachers taking place across Scotland.

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson stated that the area’s schools continue to be positive places to work and learn, and that support is available for staff who are subject to difficult circumstances.

The spokesperson said: “The overwhelming majority of pupils in our schools are well-behaved.

“The wellbeing of both our pupils and staff is a priority for us.

“Therefore, we take seriously anything that our staff report as unacceptable and take appropriate action as per our policies and procedures.

“Overall, our teachers and pupils work and learn well together, achieving often award-winning success.”

Other councils in Scotland have recently detailed the number of physical attacks that teachers have been subjected to in recent years.

Aberdeen City Council revealed at the end of last month that 501 assaults on teachers had been recorded since 2014.

More than 800 such incidents in the Granite City also took place against pupil support assistants.

Neighbouring Aberdeenshire Council reported a total of 2,747 violent incidents in the same period involving education and children’s service workers.

And in April, it was reported that 92 weapon attacks on teachers had taken place in the Glasgow City Council area in the 2016/17 term - more than double the number for the previous year.

Weapons used in these incidents included knives, scissors, hockey sticks and lunchboxes.

A total of 858 physical attacks on teachers were recorded in the city’s schools over 2016/17.

Meanwhile, a further Freedom of Information request by the Advertiser found that 81 council staff across Argyll and Bute have been subjected to assaults since July 1, 2017.

Forty-six of these incidents have involved physical violence, while a further 35 have seen staff verbally abused.

Four of the verbal incidents took place in Helensburgh and Lomond, while the five incidents involving teachers are the only physical attacks to take place in the ward.

The council spokesperson added: “Additionally, we provide support and training for staff to help them deal with difficult situations, should they arise.

“It should be noted that there is no strict definition of ‘attack’.

“It could be verbal, it could be an action that one individual finds unacceptable where others would not.”