Talks over the pay deal were concluded on Friday

The deal was struck after talks between unions, local authorities and the Scottish Government which concluded on Friday morning.

The deal, which will kick in from April, is worth 2.25% in the first year, with slightly larger rises in the following two years.

Each stage is higher than the current inflation rate of 2.1%.

We are confident that this settlement offers a fair deal for teachers Ronnie Smith EIS union

The Scottish Government said the settlement would provide stability and allow attention to be focused on improving the education system.

Commenting on the deal, Educational Institute of Scotland union general secretary Ronnie Smith said: "This pay deal offers welcome pay stability for Scotland's teachers, at a time of increasing global economic strain.

"These were always going to be difficult negotiations, given the current economic conditions and the tight financial settlement under which local authorities are operating.

"Nevertheless, we are confident that this settlement offers a fair deal for teachers which compares well to other recent public sector pay awards."

Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop described the agreement as a "fair deal".

Teachers' salaries

She said: "This is a fair deal with real benefits for pupils, teachers and schools throughout Scotland.

"It will provide stability over three years and will allow us all to focus on improving educational outcomes for our children over that period.

"It demonstrates the benefits of close partnership working and our commitment to improving the lives of Scotland's children."

Councillor Isabel Hutton, the education spokeswoman for local authority umbrella group Cosla, also welcomed the agreement.

She said: "It represents a good deal for Scottish education, for Scottish local government and for Scottish teachers.

"We are clear that the deal protects the value of teachers' salaries in the context of the financial settlement for local government.