Children in the northern isles are being “unfairly passed over” for government funding to tackle the attainment gap, the Scottish Liberal Democrats have claimed.
Orkney and Shetland are among a dozen local authorities who have “not made the list” for extra cash to help poorer pupils.
Liam McArthur MSP said the policy “does not do nearly enough” to help children in the northern isles.
The Scottish Government said Orkney and Shetland had been allocated almost £170,000 through the Attainment Challenge Fund since 2014 – and would receive more cash next year.
But Orkney member Mr McArthur said: “The Liberal Democrats have long promoted an individual-based approach to address the attainment gap. The Scottish Government’s refusal to adopt such a policy has led to patchwork funding across Scotland.
“The first minister has said she wants to “substantially eliminate” the attainment gap over the next ten years. This funding policy does not do nearly enough to ensure that all children in need see the real benefits of that pledge.”
Shetland MSP Tavish Scott added: “The Scottish Government has chosen to allocate funding to over 100 secondary schools, but not one school in Shetland or Orkney made the list.
“The Scottish government has made a misguided decision in choosing to prioritise some students over others.
“Children in the northern isles living in poverty are being unfairly passed over for this vital government funding.”
The MSPs have now written a joint letter to Education Secretary John Swinney demanding action.
A Scottish Government spokesman said that “delivering equity and excellence” for Scotland’s schools was the administration’s “defining mission”.
He added: “In the two years up to 2016/17, Shetland has been allocated £56,680 through the Attainment Challenge Innovation Fund. Orkney was allocated £113,320, all in 2016/17.
“The Scottish Attainment Challenge has been targeted on those authorities and schools with the highest concentrations of children and young people living in areas of multiple deprivation.
“However, from next year, the £100million that will be raised as a result of local tax reforms will be issued directly to schools, based on eligibility for free school meals in primary and S1-3, which will benefit schools in the area.”
