Free nursery hours (Scotland)

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

I know that you are entitled to a certain amount of free nursery time once child is 3, do you have to use this at a state nursery, or can you use it in a private one?

You can use it in most private nurseries too, but they have to be registered/approved by the LEA. Give the nursery a call and they'll be able to confirm if you can get your 12.5 free hours with them.