A NEW policy to deliver free school meals to primary pupils across Scotland is at the centre of a political row.

The Scottish Labour Party has accused First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of benefitting middle class families, such as hers, rather than parents from poorer homes.

The SNP hit back by suggesting Labour were "confused and chaotic" over whether they supported universal services - as well as highlighting the fact Ms Sturgeon does not have children.

The row blew up after the First Minister took part in the official launch of the policy to deliver free school meals to all pupils in the first three years of primary school.

Iain Gray, Scottish Labour's education spokesman, said Scotland's top earning households would save £330 a year because of the policy - at the expense of those most in need.

He said: "With a household income of at least £218,000 it is exactly people like the First Minister who stand to gain the most from the introduction of free school meals.

"Children from poorer families already qualified for free school meals so by definition the extension will not benefit those families at all, while the wealthiest families in Scotland will be celebrating the news that the Scottish Government's proposals will save them £330 a year.

"Free school meals are a good thing in general, but whilst local authority education budgets face tight financial pressures it is important to note that there is no such thing as a free lunch - it will be those most in need that pay the price in cuts to local authority services and increased charges."

However, SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell, convener of Holyrood's education committee, said Mr Gray's "blunder" on free school meals highlighted the party's confusion on the issue of universal services.

Mr Maxwell said the statement by Mr Gray also ran counter to the position adopted by Jim Murphy, the leader of Scottish Labour, during his leadership campaign.

He said: "This is a major blunder from Jim Murphy's party - Labour may have a new leader, but it's clear that their position on universal services is as confused and chaotic as it has ever been.

"How on earth can Labour justify opposing free school meals for our youngest children, yet support spending £100 billion on a new generation of Trident nuclear weapons?

"Free school meals will benefit 135,000 children, boosting health and attainment in school while saving families £330 per year - vital support at a time when in-work poverty is rocketing."

Willie Rennie, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, also criticised Scottish Labour's position.

He said: "Free school meals will benefit children from less well-off families who previously did not qualify for a good daily meal at school. It shows how confused Labour has become that they oppose a policy that will benefit hard working families.

"It helps tackle stigma and ensures children get a good quality meal in those early years at primary school."

Earlier, Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government was providing revenue funding of £70.5 million over two years to deliver the commitment, supported with total additional capital funding for all 32 local councils in Scotland of £24.8m.

Speaking on a visit to her old school, Dreghorn Primary, in North Ayrshire, the First Minister said: "This is an exciting and historic day for Scottish education.

"It's the beginning of a new year, a new school term and free school meals are now on the menu. Great things are going on at schools across Scotland and it's a privilege to be back at Dreghorn Primary as First Minister, as my experiences here had a huge role in shaping my life.

"As a Government, we want to do all we can to make sure every young person has the best start in life and can make the most of their time in school. The delivery of free school meals for all Primary 1-3 pupils underlines our commitment to doing all we can to support the development of our young people and tackle inequalities in our society, including the scourge of child poverty."

The introduction of free school meals for all P1-3 pupils has been supported by campaigners against child poverty, including Child Poverty Action Group Scotland, Children in Scotland, One Parent Families Scotland, the Church of Scotland and trade unions.

Free school meals are already available for primary school children of any age under certain criteria including parents in receipt of income support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, any income-related element of Employment and Support Allowance and Child Tax Credits.