Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie attacked the SNP’s record on childcare as he argued 60,000 two-year-olds in Scotland would benefit under his party’s plans.
Mr Rennie said youngsters in Scotland are “missing out” because the Scottish Government has failed to match free childcare provision delivered in England by the UK coalition Government.
He visited a nursery in Edinburgh with Liberal Democrat candidate Mike Crockart as Nick Clegg launched the UK party’s manifesto in London.
It includes a pledge to deliver at least 20 hours of free childcare a week for all parents with children aged two to four and all working parents from the end of paid parental leave at nine months to two years.
The provision of childcare is devolved to Scotland and Mr Rennie said the SNP administration had “failed to keep up” with progress elsewhere in the UK.
He said: “In Scotland, 14,000 two-year-olds have missed out on free childcare because the SNP failed to match the provision delivered in England by Liberal Democrats in coalition.
“I am setting out a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all two-year-olds – some 60,000 each year – to benefit from free childcare by 2020.
“That’s a big difference in provision which could make a big difference to the opportunities for children in Scotland.
“It will build a fairer society and in turn create a stronger economy. It can only happen by returning Liberal Democrat MPs in each of our 11 held seats.
“Our exciting plans will build upon our record and create opportunity for all.”