Venture philanthropy, The Hunter Foundation (THF) has announced the creation of a £7.5m Innovation Fund aimed at delivering systemic change in child poverty.

THF will contribute up to £2.5m over four years with the Scottish Government contributing £5m.

The focus of the fund will be to either trial new approaches or attempt to scale innovations that have proven success in reducing child poverty.

Sir Tom Hunter said: "Scotland faces a child poverty crisis that must be addressed if we are to succeed as a nation.

"This is not about words, it is about individuals - young people through no fault of their own unable to achieve their full potential.

"Poverty absolutely debilitates progress for that individual and for Scotland as a whole.

"Child poverty in so many ways cripples success - it's a vicious cycle that is totally interrelated to educational achievement and ultimately job prospects."

The fund will focus on families' and carers' needs first, system needs second in order, it is hoped, to drive systemic change.

The Poverty Innovation Fund will be governed by a joint Board of THF and Scottish Government representatives.