The learning of foreign languages in schools is in "terminal decline", Scottish Labour has warned, after figures revealed a sharp drop in the number of students over the last four years.
Statistics show the number of pupils choosing to learn modern languages between National 4 and Higher level has fallen from 24,510 in 2019 to 23,990 in 2023.
The drop comes despite the overall S4 to S6 school roll rising by more than 10,500 pupils over the same period.
Scottish Labour said the fall is most evident at the Higher level as 6,735 pupils picked modern language Highers in 2019 but this dropped to 5,080 pupils in 2023.
Figures show the number of foreign language teachers in schools has also fallen from around 1,700 in 2008 to fewer than 1,400 in 2023.
The statistics emerged just weeks after Aberdeen University announced it was considering scrapping modern language degrees, citing a lack of students interested in taking the courses.
The university later said it would no longer offer single honours degrees in modern languages from September 2024 but would continue to offer joint honours degree programmes in languages.
Scottish Labour described the learning of foreign languages as a "vital skill" that helps young people to gain work in international fields.
The party believes what it termed as the government's "failed approach" to modern languages is holding back the people of Scotland and its economy.
