GREEN MSPs have called on the Scottish government to reinstate free school meals to thousands of secondary school pupils.

Over the last year around 6,000 S1-S3 students from families in receipt of the Scottish child payments had benefited from a free school meals pilot secured by the Scottish Greens in return for supporting the SNP minority administration’s 2025/26 Budget.

The year-long pilot, across Aberdeen, Glasgow, Fife, Moray, North Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Shetland and the Western Isles council areas has however now ended, meaning affected pupils and their families will once again be expected to fork out for lunch.

Calling for the free meals to be reinstated, Scottish Greens education spokeswoman, Laura Moodie said: “Pupils cannot learn when they are hungry. It is deeply disappointing that thousands of young people have once again been left without access to free school meals.

“Free school meals are an investment in children’s health, wellbeing and education, and they should be available to every child who needs them.

“The SNP must do the right thing and reinstate these meals immediately.”

The Scottish government was contacted for comment.