SIX in 10 parents with school-age children have been relying on family to help them out with free childcare during the holidays, according to a new survey.

Families in Scotland are spending an average of £1,704 keeping their youngsters amused over the summer break by enrolling them in daycare, activity clubs and summer camps or using a childminder. But 61 per cent also use relatives to look after their children, and those without family close by face paying nearer £2,000 on childcare over the holidays.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, said: "The amount parents are paying out this summer on childcare is incredible — it's more than the GDP of Iceland."