Glasgow schoolkids are set to benefit from a multi-million pound IT contract - including the provision of free iPads.

Almost 70,000 children and young people across the city's nurseries and schools will take part in the project in conjunction with CGI and the biggest Apple education project in Europe.

As many as 50,000 pupils from P6-S6 will be given iPads to improve learning and help close the attainment gap.

The tablet comes as part of the council's connected learning and digital strategy.

READ MORE: Glasgow schools digital strategy to see 54,000 iPads for school pupils

Pupils from St Thomas Aquinas Secondary in Knightswood were the first in the city to receive the devices, and by 2021, every Glasgow primary and secondary teacher and their pupils will have access to their equipment.

Councillor Chris Cunningham, city convener for Education, Skills and Early Years said: “This is a really exciting time for our schools and an amazing opportunity to digitally enhance the learning and teaching opportunities in our classrooms.

Glasgow Times: Jamie SimpsonJamie Simpson

“We’ve had really positive feedback from the teachers who already have their devices with some brilliant examples of good practice and shared learning across the city.

“We want our children and young people to be equipped with the skills that will make them shine as digital citizens both now and later in their working lives.

READ MORE: Every pupil from P6 up in Glasgow to get a FREE tablet device

“We are aware that 90% of jobs in Scotland involve digital work and so our pupils will be well equipped for the workplace.

“I know that this project will result in raising attainment and achievement in every one of our schools and nurseries.

“This is the biggest Apple education initiative in Europe and I’m delighted that Glasgow is once again leading the way in innovative practices.”