Free meals for Scottish children

Free school meals are now on offer for more than 30,000 Scottish children.

Primary children in years one to three will receive a free meal each day until March as part of the £5 million trial project.

Five areas are covered by the pilot: Glasgow, Fife, East Ayrshire, the Borders and West Dunbartonshire.

It is hoped that the scheme will help get children eating more healthily, and the pilot will be closely monitored for signs of changing eating habits at school and at home.

"For too long, Scotland's health has been affected by a legacy of poor diet,” minister for Children and Early Years, Adam Ingram, said.

“This government is determined to change these habits, and we believe strongly that targeting our youngest pupils will bring health benefits for them now and in the future."