COUNCIL leaders reported being on “standby” today as discussions continued about teacher pay amid strikes across Scotland.

Ahead of another meeting between the Scottish government and council umbrella body Cosla today, SNP Deputy First Minister John Swinney refused to confirm whether a new offer is imminent.

Teaching unions first launched walkouts in late November last year after rejecting a below-inflation deal worth between 5 and 6.85 per cent for most educators.