PORT Glasgow High pupils have found themselves caught up in the 'postcode lottery' exam fiasco - and now the local MSP has stepped in to try and help them.

Stuart McMillan told the Tele that he has had a large number of parents from across Inverclyde coming to him for help after many young people saw their results downgraded by the SQA.

He says there seems to be a particular problem with the Port secondary school, which has performed particularly well in recent years, and now he plans to raise it directly with the Education Secretary John Swinney.

A huge backlash has been sparked after it emerged that many pupils had seen their grades pushed down under a controversial moderation system.

Data shows that those from 'deprived' areas have been disproportionately affected.

MSP Mr McMillan said: "I have been contacted by a large number of parents from across Inverclyde, however there seems to be a specific issue at Port Glasgow High School.

"I do not believe that someone’s postcode, or the postcode of a school, can be a marker for each individual pupil and their results.

"As one quarter of results were adjusted, then I would have considered it fair for the SQA to then examine this quarter in more detail. It would appear that this didn’t happen."

A flood of appeals is expected amind growing anger over the situation.

Mr McMillan said: "The appeals process will undoubtedly be more important than ever this year.

"I appreciate that pupils would not have wanted to use this option, however I hope that the evidence that is submitted by Inverclyde schools on behalf of their pupils will improve the grades in question."

He says he plans to discuss the issues with the new Port Glasgow High School head teacher Gillian Carroll at a meeting next week as well as raising the question with Mr Swinney.

Mr McMillan said: "Next week I will be meeting with Mrs Carroll to view preparations for the new academic year.

"We will undoubtedly discuss this years’ exam results also.

"I hope to ask the Education Secretary a question about the exam results on Wednesday in parliament if I am selected."

Mr McMillan says he is unhappy that SQA chief executive Fiona Campbell has refused his request to speak with her about the situation.

The MSP told the Tele: "I am not accepting this.

"I have responded stating that I need to speak with her to discuss the concerns of my constituents.”