Charities have welcomed a new Scottish Government plan to improve services for people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

But questions have been raised about whether the £4.5m announced to back the strategy is “new” money.

Public health minister Joe FitzPatrick unveiled the plan promising tailored care for nearly one million Scots living with a neurological condition.

Craig Stockton, of MND Scotland, described the announcement as a “promising first step” that could transform the care people receive.

He said: “In particular, we are keen to see the development of a sustainable neurological workforce to deliver high standards of care for people with MND. People with MND often require complex, specialist and individualised care and it is important this plan recognises has a clear vision of how to implement this effectively.

“We are optimistic that, with the right leadership and appropriate funding, the plan has the ability to transform care for those living with MND and other neurological conditions in Scotland and we look forward to working with the Scottish Government to achieve this ambition.”

Meanwhile Parkinson’s UK Scotland warned: “too many people feel they are ‘left to get on with it’ without the information, support and public understanding that would improve their quality of life.”

Director Annie Macleod said: “This plan is a positive first step in a journey to better care and support, and we are looking forward to seeing how much of a change will be made over the next five years.

“We hope that the £4.5m that the minister has pledged today is ‘new’ money and will be invested in making a meaningful difference for people with neurological conditions.”