The Liberal Democrats will outline their plan to "save Scotland's education system" with a call to extend a UK fund for disadvantaged schools to Scotland.

Leader Willie Rennie will meet nursery children in Edinburgh today ahead of a Lib Dem led debate at Holyrood.

He will call for the pupil premium, a UK Government funding scheme for publicly funded schools in England to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils, to be brought to Scotland.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Mr Rennie said: "A Scottish education was once the envy of the world. It has fallen hard and fast. But we have the plan that will put it right back up there.

"College places cut by 150,000 places since 2007. Only 7% of two-year-olds receiving early years education. One in five businesses not getting the skills they need - higher than anywhere else in Britain.

"Liberal Democrats are not prepared to stand by while the SNP prepares to inflict even more devastating damage in the form of their multi-million-pound education cuts.

"Bold action is needed urgently to save our education system and the progressive plan I will announce would make the biggest investment in Scottish education since devolution.

"To get Scotland fit for the future our economy and our children need the best education.

"This afternoon we will lead a debate calling for the Pupil Premium to be extended to Scotland. As part of our plan to save Scotland's education system, this will mean every single person in Scotland will be able to realise their potential, no matter what their background."