It supports a network of locally funded guidance counsellors and child contact centres with its board to be chaired by former deputy first minister Jim Wallace.

He said: "Building on the achievements, dedication and hard work of those who have served in Relate Scotland and Family Mediation Scotland, our new organisation stands ready to support families in difficulty who turn to us for help at a critical time in their lives."

Many of the local services, except those in Orkney, Grampian and Dumfries and Galloway, will continue to operate under their former Relate and Family Mediation titles. These will be encouraged to merge in the future.