SNP Schoolbag Plan to Cost Over £1 Million Annually, Sourcing from China

A key election pledge by the Scottish National Party (SNP) to give every new primary school pupil a free schoolbag is projected to cost £1.35 million annually, according to recently released government figures. This initiative, which has drawn criticism, involves the procurement of the bags from China.

The contract for the schoolbags has been awarded to APS Group, an Edinburgh-based firm that also handles the distribution of the SNP government's baby box scheme. The backpacks, intended for approximately 47,000 pupils starting primary one in August, will be available in various colors and filled with items such as a pencil case, writing utensils, a notebook, a water bottle, and books. Information on social security benefits and online safety advice will also be included.

Scottish Conservative education spokesman Meghan Gallacher criticized the policy as a "gimmick" and a "desperate election stunt." She argued that the £1.35 million annual expenditure, funded by taxpayers, would be better allocated to addressing the attainment gap and improving Scotland's educational standards. Gallacher stated that parents require tangible support rather than "colourful backpacks and political gimmicks."

The contract with APS Group covers the cost of the bags, their contents, storage, packing, and distribution. While the Scottish Government indicated that the bags will be "assembled" in Scotland to ensure value for money, details regarding the sourcing of the materials were not provided. APS Group (Scotland), which specializes in marketing communications, has experienced substantial growth since securing previous government contracts, with its gross profit increasing significantly in recent years.

Education Secretary Màiri McAllan defended the initiative, drawing parallels to the successful universal Baby Box offer. She stated the aim is to ensure children begin school on an equal footing and feel a sense of belonging.