Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
The announcement has been welcomed by Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson who is encouraging North-East families to make sure they apply.
Regulations have been laid in Parliament, which is the next big step towards introducing the payment which will help the families who need it most with costs associated with the transition to school.
The benefit, to be delivered by Social Security Scotland, will see eligible families receive £250 to help with things such as educational toys and after school activities.
The payment builds on the success of the recently launched Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
“I would like to encourage all families who are eligible to make their application when the process is open from the 3rd of June.
“The Scottish Government is committed to doing all it can to make sure children in my Banff and Buchan Coast constituency and right across the country, have the right help towards a fairer start.
“This payment follows the successful launch of the Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, which received an unprecedented number of applications.
“The new £250 payment will help families with the costs of preparing for school and will use the same eligibility as the extremely successful Pregnancy and Baby Payment, which has been welcomed by families across Scotland.
“The School Age Payment does not exist under the UK benefits system – demonstrating the Scottish Government’s ambition to deliver a better social security system.”
“The Scottish Government is committed to doing all it can to make sure children in my Banff and Buchan Coast constituency and right across the country, have the right help towards a fairer start.
“This payment follows the successful launch of the Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, which received an unprecedented number of applications.
“The new £250 payment will help families with the costs of preparing for school and will use the same eligibility as the extremely successful Pregnancy and Baby Payment, which has been welcomed by families across Scotland.
“The School Age Payment does not exist under the UK benefits system – demonstrating the Scottish Government’s ambition to deliver a better social security system.”
