Teachers could carry out targeted strike action over pay in seats held by key government figures, mimicking tactics used by the teaching unions in the 80s when Margaret Thatcher was in power, it has been revealed.

Scottish teachers are currently locked in battle with the government over pay.

Teachers are demanding a 10 per cent pay rise but the Scottish government says such a bump is not affordable and to date has offered a 3 per cent rise for all, with further rises for unpromoted teachers depending on the stage of their career.

Last month, however, that deal was resoundingly rejected by school staff and the unions are now gearing up for a strike ballot which could see schools close in every part of the country.

However, the Herald on Sunday revealed yesterday that at a meeting in Edinburgh last month of the EIS Council Larry Flanagan, the union’s general secretary, suggested strike action could be targeted at first minister Nicola Sturgeon, the education secretary John Swinney and finance chief Derek Mackay, who represent Glasgow Southside, Perthshire North, and Renfrewshire North and West respectively.

Another potential target is council ward Annandale North, which is represented by Tory councillor Gail Macgregor, who has led on pay for council umbrella group Cosla.

No agreement has been reached on tactics, but the controversial option is on the table.

In practice, it could mean industrial action taking place on a national level, followed by localised strikes in seats held by SNP heavyweights.

The EIS engaged in a long-running battle with the Conservative government in the 1980s on pay, which included measures including work to rule, national one-day strikes and targeted action in the constituencies of Tory ministers.