This research identified the costs and benefits of the sitter service in Scotland. A "sitter service" is one that provides home-based childcare outside the hours of 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and at weekends to support children of shift workers, single parents/carers and for children who require additional support. Nine sitter services, organised by voluntary or not-for-profit organisations in Scotland, were contacted; their costs were compared and the views of sitters and users identified. For very little expenditure, they provided a service that resulted in a range of individual and community benefits. However, the research concludes that most sitter services are hat small scale and piecemeal funding endangers their long-term viability.