TINY TOTS born in Clackmannanshire will be among the first to benefit from the Scottish Government’s baby boxes as the scheme is to be piloted in the area.

Childcare and early years minister Mark McDonald announced that babies and parents in the Wee County and Orkney will get the boxes from New Year's Day 2017.

These areas were chosen due to their location and diverse population. 

The boxes have been popular in Finland for decades and are credited with helping lower the country’s infant mortality rate.

They have been introduced in Scotland to ensure every baby has the best start in life by delivering essentials for any infant. It is hoped they will improve children’s health and wellbeing while reducing deprivation. 

The kit contain items such as bedding, nappies and clothes to get the young family started. It also includes a mattress, meaning the box can be used as the infant’s first bed. 

Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP Keith Brown said he was delighted part his constituency was chosen as a pilot region.

He said: “The box will contain a range of essential items to help all children get the best start in life and has been shown to have a proven record in tackling deprivation, improving health and supporting parents.” 

Clackmannanshire Council leader Bobby McGill was also happy to hear that the area had been chosen. 

He said: “I am pleased to hear that Clackmannanshire parents will be some of the first in Scotland to receive the baby boxes.

"We all want our young people to get the best possible start in life, and any initiative that helps to achieve this is to be welcomed.” 

Meanwhile, students are being asked to take part in a competition to design the box.

The contest is being run by the V&A in Dundee and is open to design students studying at college or university. Organisers are looking for an innovative design that parents can make their own.

The winner will receive £1000 and mentoring from top Scottish designers Holly Fulton and Scott Jarvie. Their boxes will be distributed from summer 2017 until March 2019. 

MrJarvie said: “This initiative recognises the latent potential that design and creative thinking have in effecting transformative change in people’s lives.

"The project has scope to greatly improve infant wellbeing and puts in place the necessary tools to give every child an equal start in life, through the power of design.

“I am pleased to be a part of the selection panel and am very much looking forward to seeing the entries.”