Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has hailed the success of the Scottish Government Baby Box scheme – as new figures revealed that 465 families in the Western Isles have benefitted from a Baby Box.

Scotland’s Baby Box contains a selection of clothes, as well as every day must-haves, like a bath towel, a travel changing mat, muslin cloth squares, a bib, a digital thermometer, and books.

The box now also includes a reusable nappy voucher, which dozens of families in the Western Isles have taken advantage of.

Alasdair Allan MSP commented:

“Every child, regardless of their circumstances, should get the best start in life.

“At the heart of the Baby Box is a message about tackling inequality, improving health and supporting new parents - which is why I’m delighted to see that 465 have been sent to families across the islands.

“96% of expectant parents are now requesting a Baby Box – and more than 120,000 have been delivered across Scotland.

“That’s a huge vote of confidence in the Baby Box, which will be vitally important in our efforts to ensure that all children get the best start in life.”