Energy and nutrient intakes were estimated in 136 7–8‐year‐old Scottish schoolchildren using the 7‐day weighed inventory method. The contribution of liquid milk was assessed by (a) expressing energy and nutrient intake from milk as a percentage of overall intakes; (b) comparing dietary intakes in children with different patterns of milk consumption and (c) investigating the relationships between milk drinking, anthropometry and growth. The average intake of milk in this study was 2.11 l per week and more full‐fat than semi‐skimmed milk was drunk. Milk contributed around 10% of energy, 13% fat, 30% vitamin A, 36% vitamin B12and 42% calcium to overall diets. Children with weekly milk intakes of more than 3 l had higher daily intakes of energy and certain micronutrients compared with children with weekly milk intakes of less than 1 l. The overall daily diets of children drinking semi‐skimmed milk at home were lower in percentage energy from fat than those of children drinking full‐fat milk at home. There was no significant relationship between the type or volume of milk drunk and either anthropometry or growth. It was concluded that (a) intakes of milk in excess of 3 l per week are beneficial in terms of increased micronutrient intakes and (b) the use of semi‐skimmed milk may help to decrease intakes of fat in this age group, yet have no adverse effects on anthro