Every child starting Primary One in Scotland during the 2027/28 school year is set to receive a new Welcome to School Bag.
The initiative, announced by the Scottish Government, will see around 47,000 pupils receive a backpack containing a range of items intended to support them as they begin primary school.
Each bag will include a pencil case, pens, pencils, coloured crayons, a notebook and a water bottle, together with resources designed to encourage reading, writing and maths activities at home.
The backpacks will also feature reflective strips to help improve visibility and safety, nameplates and a window where children can display a drawing to personalise their bag.
Ayr SNP MSP Siobhian Brown has welcomed the plans, saying the initiative will help ensure children across Ayr, Prestwick and Troon are prepared for their first day at school.
The Scottish Government said the bags will complement existing financial support available to eligible families. This includes more than £330 through the Best Start Grant to help with the costs associated with starting primary school, as well as more than £100 through the School Clothing Grant.
Commenting on the announcement, Ms Brown said:
“Every child in Ayr, Prestwick & Troon should feel excited and ready for their first day of school, which is why the SNP is delivering the new Welcome to School Backpack.
“The SNP is determined to give young Scots the best possible start in life - from the Baby Box, to the School Clothing Grant, Best Start Grant School Age Payments, breakfast clubs and free school meals, the Welcome to School Bag will help ensure no child’s start to school is determined by their family’s financial circumstances.
“These steps we have taken are vital in our journey to eradicate child poverty, which is why we have prioritised delivering the first bags to reach children by the time they start school next year.
“That is what people in Scotland get with the SNP - a government always on their side.”