BORDERS MSP Christine Grahame has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement that fees for school pupils learning a musical instrument and going on school trips will be scrapped.

The scheme will be supported by £7million to ensure that every child in Scotland can learn a musical instrument without financial barrier. 

Also announced recently was £6 million of funding to be allocated to councils across Scotland to pay for extra charges that are incurred in some courses, such as equipment needed for home economics or the costs of a theatre trip.

Ms Grahame, MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, said: “This manifesto is the one I stood and was elected on, so I’m pleased to see the pledges now becoming a reality. 

“This is a significant step in ensuring that every child in the Borders and across Scotland has the best start in life and can fulfil their creative potential at school without having financial barriers placed in their way.”

“As a former teacher myself, I know first-hand the value school trips and learning musical instruments can bring to a young person’s education which is why the Scottish Government is ensuring that every child has that opportunity."