Local authorities, education providers and other specified public service bodies must now ensure period products are generally obtainable free of charge.

The council has already been implementing this policy – since 2021, more than 25,000 products have been given to residents through the online ordering service, as well as providing products to public buildings and community groups.

Locations across the area can be found by downloading the Pickupmyperiod App (free on Apple and Google).

They include community halls, leisure centres, libraries, foodbanks and some NHS health centres.

The council has also partnered with Hey Girls to supply products across the community and in schools.

Chair of the council’s Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, Councillor Lesley McDonald, said: “It’s encouraging to see the work that has already been done to make sure we are ready for the new laws coming into force today.

“We recognise for many the cost of sanitary products can be an issue, but we want to support as many people as we can.

“So please, if you need help, either download the app to see the location of where products are available or get in touch with us to receive products direct to your address.”

And the chair of the council’s Education Resources Committee, Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, added: “This is a historic moment here in Scotland with the Act now becoming Law. I am proud to have been part of the campaign to make this happen, fighting to make life better for so many people here in South Lanarkshire who cannot afford to buy these essential products.

“This whole campaign was about bringing dignity and human rights to the women, girls and people who menstruate throughout the country, and it wouldn't have gotten anywhere without the commitment from local authorities and the grass roots campaigners from the local area who fought hard to make it happen.

“Before this campaign people were embarrassed to speak about periods and period products, now it is common conversation in many households. I look forward to seeing how far this can go!”

Anyone interested in receiving products should fill in the online form which is available on the dedicated Period Positive page on the council’s website.