The Scottish Conservatives have pledged to secure a fully-funded week of respite for people who care for their loved ones for more than 50 hours a week.
Tory health spokesman Jackson Carlaw claimed the National Carers’ Break Guarantee would reward the “unsung heroes of our society”.
The Conservatives have promised to invest some of the extra £800million promised for Scotland’s NHS into funding a free respite week for carers.
Speaking on the general election campaign trail in Glasgow, Mr Carlaw said: “Carers are the unsung heroes of our society – of that there is no question.
“Without their dedication our public services would collapse under the weight of so many demands.
“That’s why it’s so important we give them all the support we can.
“A fully funded week of respite can help them take some time for themselves and recharge the batteries.”
Meanwhile the Scottish Liberal Democrats will today set out plans to expand free childcare for families.
The party thinks fathers should be given an extra four weeks paternity leave to encourage them to take time off with their young children, bringing entitlement to six weeks.
It has vowed to extend free early years education to all two year olds, benefiting children and reducing childcare costs for working parents.
The policy is part of a Lib Dem ambition to deliver 20 free hours to all children between the ages of 2-4 and to all children between nine and 24 months where both parents work.