Ben Macpherson, the Scottish Government’s social security minister, shared why he believes the extra support for unpaid carers is essential going forward.

Mr Macpherson said: “I’m delighted that eligible unpaid carers in Scotland will receive a further double payment of Carer’s Allowance Supplement before Christmas this year.

“This additional investment of around £20million means the Scottish Government has provided around £120m of additional funding this year and last, compared to in the rest of the UK, through the supplement and the two additional coronavirus payments, to eligible carers in Scotland.

“By making these additional payments, the Scottish Government is showing our appreciation of the vital role carers play in our society.