FEES for children learning a musical instrument in schools will be scrapped next year thanks to funding to the tune of £7 million.

The Scottish Government will also give £6m to councils to ensure core curriculum charges, for example materials for home economics or theatre trips associated with drama qualifications, don't have to be paid by families.

The agreement with Cosla covers the 2021-22 academic year and education secretary and Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “All children should have the best start in life and the ability to take part in core elements of education should never be limited by a child’s ability to pay.

“Today’s announcement means families will not see bills for musical tuition or core curriculum activities in the new school year.

"I will continue to work with Cosla and local authorities to develop a sustainable and funded model for future years.”

Cowdenbeath MSP Annabelle Ewing added: "It is fantastic to hear from the education secretary that funding is being made available to lift charges for music tuition in our schools as well as other charges that can take hard-pressed parents by surprise throughout the school year.

“This announcement means the removal of another obstacle to equality of opportunity and the stigma that can come from being left out or left behind.

“The SNP is firmly committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for all young people attending Scotland’s schools and with this package of support being put in place in time for the start of the school year next month, another two of the promises we made for the first 100 days in government have now been delivered.”

Cosla children and young people spokesperson, Councillor Stephen McCabe, said: “Councils recognise the importance of instrumental music tuition for the learning and development of our children and young people.

"Where fees were in place for tuition, this is due to a range of local pressures on core council budgets.

"The one-year funding package agreed between Cosla leaders and the Scottish Government will allow for the removal of fees in the coming academic year and the maintenance of existing levels of provision, so that fees and charges are not a barrier to learning an instrument.

“We welcome the commitment from the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills to work with Cosla and partners in the sector to consider the intent, impact, and broader implications of this Scottish Government policy intervention and to develop a model for the long-term sustainability of instrumental music tuition services across Scotland which must include sustainable funding arrangements for all councils.”