More than 6600 reusable period products have been given out to young school pupils as part of a partnership between the city council and a pioneering East End business.

Education bosses hope the move will “break down stigma” in addition to tackling the climate crisis.

Councillor Christina Cannon, the city’s education convener, said: “Period products are a right, not a luxury.

“For many years, Glasgow has been leading the way in taking period dignity to a new level, and we will continue to look at different ways to achieve this.

“This now includes providing sustainable products that will make a difference to our young people’s lives and help save the planet as well.”

Glasgow Times: St Andrew's Secondary pupils helped launch the new initiative.St Andrew's Secondary pupils helped launch the new initiative. (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

Glasgow has provided free period products to pupils since 2017, after a pilot in four schools - Castlemilk High, Hillpark Secondary, St Paul's High and Smithycroft Secondary – was then extended to all 30 secondaries in the city.

In February, the city celebrated its first period dignity month, raising awareness of the life-changing free period products act, and the work going on around Glasgow to help young people.

The Period Products (Free Provision) Scotland Act 2021 places responsibility on local authorities and education providers across the country to make period products accessible and free of charge for anyone who needs them.

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Councillor Cannon said: “We have more than 300 venues - 140 community venues and 171 schools - which stock free products. We are set to increase our venues where reusables are available from six to 22, as well as in most of our secondary schools

“It is brilliant that we are able, at the start of the new school year, to hand out more than 6600 giftbags, which contain one reusable day pad and one reusable night pad in a little wash bag, to our P7 and S1 pupils.”

She added: “This work is so important, and I am delighted our city is committed to breaking down stigmas and helping our young people.”

TotsBots, founded by Fiona and Magnus Smyth in Glasgow in 2001, is supplying 6600 reusable period product starter kits for the project.

The company was set up initially to produce environmentally friendly nappies, and it has since diversified to create NORA reusable periodwear.

Fiona said: “Being a Glasgow-born company and manufacturer we are delighted and proud to be involved in a scheme like this so close to home.

“Normalising reusables at the start of peoples’ periods is the way forward. By showing alternatives and encouraging future generations to move away from the disposable mindset, we are empowering the next generation to do their bit to protect the future of the planet."

She added: “Small changes every day do add up to make a difference and it is important our kids know this.”