Being a mum should not be the kiss of death for a woman's career

Being a mum should not mean the kiss of death for a woman's career. Too many working mothers are shamefully mistreated and Scotland is not immune.

- Monica Lennon

That's why it was music to the ears of many Scots when former first minister Nicola Sturgeon pledged to make Scotland the best country in the world to grow up in.

When babies and children develop into healthy and happy young adults, everyone benefits.

Early years education and childcare are devolved responsibilities, and the Scottish Government should be working hard to modernise these critical sectors.

However, despite promising a childcare revolution at the last election, Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP have fallen short. Scots have become all too familiar with the gap between SNP rhetoric and record.

An increase in funded childcare hours is welcome. No one can criticise the SNP's aim, but the devil is always in the detail and the flaws are highly visible.