One of the best known state schools in Scotland has been hit by a kitchen crisis.
Astonishingly there is NO Home Economics department at Paisley Grammar.
The education authority has failed to lure any home experts to the 1,000 pupil school.
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It comes in an era of huge interest in cooking for life skills, for careers and when television is packed with baking and meal making shows.
Opposition politicians at Renfrewshire Council have savaged them for failing the kids.
The historic Grammar is the alma mater of fiery broadcaster Andrew Neil, Dr Who star David Tennant and even Fred ‘The Shred’ - the Royal Bank of Scotland chief executive who nearly caused its collapse.
Renfrewshire Conservative leader Neill Graham is astonished at the home economic meltdown after it emerged some children have only made toast and sandwiches in recent years.
And he revealed parents have told him some kids learning more about food at NURSERY school.
The councillor was alerted to the shambles by a “dismayed” Paisley East constituent who has a child about to move to the high school.
Councillor Graham said: “This situation is completely unacceptable. It shouldn’t have taken a young constituent of mine to raise these issues.
“Serious questions have to be asked as to what Renfrewshire Council have been doing to recruit home economic teachers. They aren’t even advertising for any posts right now which isn’t good enough.”
He has demanded education bosses redouble their efforts to make some appointments.
Renfrewshire Council refused to spell out exactly what was going on in the school after being asked how many teachers are normally in the department and for how long has there been none.
A spokeswoman said: “Due to a shortage of home economics teachers in Scotland, we are currently still seeking a teacher for the school.
“In the meantime, additional training within the school has ensured that home economics has remained on the curriculum.”
Home Economics is seen as vital to attract youngsters into the hospitality industry, which is currently starved of jobs.
In the early years of secondary it involves basic techniques and nutrition before developing at senior level into menu planning, safe hygiene and event running.
Mr Graham, who represents Paisley Northeast and Ralston, added: “Kids are going to be missing out on vital life skills, which is a key part of what they will learn in home economic lessons.
“We constantly hear about kids needing to have a healthy diet, but this flies in the face of it.
“These lessons can help them in terms of cooking, in terms of ingredients and preparation. Renfrewshire Council need to redouble their efforts to recruit.
“On the SNP’s watch, there is a shortage of teachers across Scotland and they haven’t given our councils enough resources to deal with issues like this.
“I will keep pushing for Renfrewshire Council to ensure home economics is routinely part of the curriculum at Paisley Grammar as this situation cannot go on for pupils.”
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