PUPILS at Dreghorn Primary got a visit from a very special guest to launch the start of the new free school meals policy.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon headed to her old school to pay youngsters a visit and welcome the start of free meals for every Primary 1-3 pupil.

The new initiative is part of the Scottish Government’s free meals policy which will benefit an additional 135,000 pupils across Scotland and will save families of every eligible child at least £330 a year.

The Scottish Government is providing revenue funding of £70.5 million over two years to deliver the commitment, supported with total additional capital funding for all 32 local councils in Scotland of £24.8 million.

Speaking on the visit to her old primary school the First Minister said: “This is an exciting and historic day for Scottish education. It’s the beginning of a new year, a new school term and free school meals are now on the menu for all Primary 1-3s. Great things are going on at schools across Scotland and it’s a privilege to be back at Dreghorn Primary as First Minister, as my experiences here had a huge role in shaping my life.

“As a Government, we want to do all we can to make sure every young person has the best start in life and can make the most of their time in school. The delivery of free school meals for all Primary 1-3 pupils underlines our commitment to doing all we can to support the development of our young people and tackle inequalities in our society, including the scourge of child poverty.

“That’s why I am delighted that this policy is worth at least £330 to families of every eligible child across Scotland."

FOR FULL COVERAGE AND MORE PICTURES SEE TOMORROW'S IRVINE TIMES