A NEW fund will provide free sanitary products students at schools, colleges and universities across Scotland, the Scottish government announced yesterday.

The scheme is part of a move to banish “period poverty” from Scotland, following a prolonged campaign led by Labour MSP Monica Lennon.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “In a country as rich as Scotland it’s unacceptable that anyone should struggle to buy basic sanitary products. I am proud that Scotland is taking this world-leading action to fight period poverty and I welcome the support of local authorities, colleges and universities in implementing this initiative.”

Ms Lennon, who is bringing forward legislation to create a statutory duty for free provision of sanitary products, welcomed the step.

"Access to period products should be a right, regardless of your income,” she said.

"No-one should face the indignity of being unable to access these essential products to manage their period."