MORE than £4 million has been paid out to support young carers nationwide, with a Clacks MSP hailing the grant scheme.

New figures showed that more than 3,700 young carers have received a grant, which has helped them care for those closest to them.

The Young Carer Grant was launched in 2019 and has since gone on to provide over 12,000 payments to young people across Scotland.

Over the past year, a record £1.4m has been paid out to young carers aged between 16 and 18, which is almost 60 per cent more than the year before.

Now, Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, has hailed the commitment from the Scottish Government to provide support to young carers.

“Young carers are absolutely awesome,” Mr Brown said. “And those who find themselves providing care for a parent or other relative for hours every week deserve to be supported and recognised.

“That is why I was delighted that the SNP brought in the Young Carer Grant in 2019, a form of support which is unique to Scotland, and I am very pleased to note that, since its introduction, over 12,000 payments totalling £4m has been made – and since March last year, almost £1.4m has been paid, almost 60 per cent more than the year before.

“I want to ensure that young people know that this payment is available and I want those aged 16-18 who are carrying out a substantial caring role to understand that they are entitled to support and should be receiving this money.”

The news of the figures, and Mr Brown’s subsequent statement, come as the nation gears up to celebrate Carers Week.

Carers Week is an annual celebration of the work carers do across the country and is this year behind held from Monday, June 10 to Sunday, June 16.

Young carers are the primary theme for this year’s Carers Week, highlighting the work they do at such a young age.

Mr Brown added: “The Scottish Government is transforming more lives than ever across my Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency and will continue to do all it can as we work towards the First Minister’s goal of eradicating child poverty.

“With a social security system built on the principles of dignity, fairness and respect, we can make a real difference – alleviating hardship and supporting those who sacrifice so much to care for their loved ones.”