It is now time for the professional status of nursery nurses to be recognised

Margaret Jamieson MSP

Joe Di Paola, Unison's Scottish organiser for Local Government and Willie Hart from teaching union EIS, both spoke at the rally.

Margaret Jamieson, MSP for Kilmarnock and Loudon, and deputy convener of the Scottish Parliament's Health and Community Care Committee, also addressed the assembled crowd.

She said: "It is now time for the professional status of nursery nurses to be recognised.

"This will require proper training, proper pay levels, and above all a proper career structure. Only in this way will we ensure the high quality of nursery nurse provision which will be essential to pre-five education in Scotland."

The event was organised to be child friendly with stalls, face painting and other attractions available at George Square.

Nursery nurses are seeking to attract the support of parents from all over Scotland who they see as vital to their campaign.