Scotland to invest £15 million in free primary school breakfast clubs

First Minister John Swinney has announced a £15 million investment to expand and enhance breakfast club provision across Scotland. The funding will be shared among local authorities to enable councils to deliver free breakfast clubs for primary school pupils starting in August 2027.

The initiative aims to ensure children receive a healthy start to the school day to improve engagement in class, while simultaneously reducing financial pressure on families facing rising living costs. The announcement follows the recent opening of new clubs in East Lothian at East Linton and Letham Mains.

Councillor Tony Buchanan, spokesperson for COSLA, noted that local authorities are best positioned to understand community needs and welcomed the opportunity to expand breakfast provision to meet local requirements.