140 people in Tayside were treated by bogus psychiatrist.

New mothers are to be given more mental health support with the help of £1 million funding, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has announced.

The money will be used in several key areas, including helping the third sector provide counselling, and peer support for mothers and their families.

The funding is part of a £50m investment in mental health services for new mothers, babies and young children announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier this year.

The initial £1m will help provide new and expectant mothers with more consistent access to psychological testing and treatment.

Announcing the funding at children’s charity Aberlour, Ms Freeman said: “It’s crucial that these services are led by the needs of women, young children and families. We have sought the views of people who have experienced mental health issues during and after pregnancy. Their voices have influenced where this money will go.

“Our vision is of a Scotland where women, young children and families do not face fear or stigma when experiencing mental health issues.”

Perinatal mental illness affects up to 20% of women, 11,000 every year in Scotland, and covers a wide range of conditions such as postpartum psychosis and postnatal depression.

The funding will also be used to increase staffing and training at mother and baby units for the 2,250 women with the most serious illnesses.

Aberlour chief executive Sally Ann Kelly said: “To give children the best start in life, it is vital we support parents effectively.”