Parents forking out an extra £700 on childcare every year compared to three years ago
A survey found the average monthly cost is around £60 more every month than in 2016
Childcare costs in Scotland have risen by more than £700 in the past three years, according to a survey.
The YouGov poll of more than 3,000 people across Scotland found parents now spend an average of £276 on childcare per month - £3,312 a year.
The cost is up by more than a quarter since 2016, meaning parents are now forking out an extra £60 every month.
Parents are turning to grandparents to provide free care, findings suggest.
More than half of grandparents said they look after their grandchildren either regularly or on an occasional basis, while just under half say take them on holiday.
Around 30% say they regularly drop off and pick up the youngsters from nursery or school.
The survey carried out by YouGov for Bank of Scotland's latest How Scotland Lives research, was conducted online and questioned 3,048 adults in Scotland.
Ricky Diggings, director, Bank of Scotland, said: “The cost of childcare can be a major financial burden for parents, particularly during times when their kids are on holiday.
“While most grandparents are more than happy to help out and enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, the financial benefit this also provides to families should not be underestimated.
“Lower income households that don't have savings to fall back on could find the summer months a more difficult time if they can't call on friends or family for support.”