Scotland becomes first country in the world to make period products free

Scotland has become the first country in the world to make period products free.

The country's leaders have backed the new law, after a four-year campaign by politician Monica Lennon.

Public buildings will have to offer pads and tampons, with schools, universities and public toilets also offering free supplies.

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MSP Ms Lennon tweeted it was "about bloody time" after the bill was passed on Tuesday night local time.

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She told The Guardian it will "make a massive difference to the lives of women and girls."

Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, tweeted she was "proud" to pass the law, which is the first of its kind in the world.

In response to the campaign, places such as restaurants, pubs and sports clubs in Scotland have already started providing free products for women who couldn't afford them.

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'Period poverty', where women can't afford pads and tampons, has soared in the UK during coronavirus.

According to Plan UK, two fifths of girls struggled to afford sanitary products during lockdown, having to resort to using toilet roll or old clothes.

Local councils will have to foot the bill, at the cost of $16m a year.