SNP's free school bag giveaway will cost taxpayers £2.7m — and the backpacks will be made in CHINA

Education Secretary Màiri McAllan confirmed the 'Welcome to School Bags' will cost £1.35 million a year over two years. Edinburgh-based APS Group, the firm that packs the SNP's baby box, has won the contract. About 47,000 pupils starting P1 in August 2027 will get one. The scheme was a key giveaway in the SNP's 2026 election manifesto, backed by John Swinney.

Tory education spokesman Meghan Gallacher branded it 'a desperate election stunt'.

The latest Pisa report found Scottish attainment in core subjects is still declining.

Bags come in five colours with crayons, a water bottle and benefits advice.