An Edinburgh author is lending her support to Capability Scotland’s Great Scottish Book Off on World Book Day on 5 March.
Fran MacIlvey author of ‘Trapped: My Life with Cerebral Palsy’ is taking part in a question and answer session at Blackwell’s Bookshop in Edinburgh at 6.30pm – 7.30pm. The event is free and open to members of the public who want to come along and meet the author.
The Great Scottish Book Off has been organised by Capability Scotland to raise funds to support disabled adults and children and their families across the country.
Launching on World Book Day, it is hoped that book groups, colleagues, friends and families throughout Scotland will hold ‘Book Swaps’ throughout March as people gather together to exchange their pre-loved books.
Two well known publishing houses, Canongate and Harper Collins, are also providing support for the fundraising campaign.
Explaining why she is supporting the Great Scottish Book Off Fran said:
“ If there is one thing I have learned while writing, publishing and promoting, it is that without the help of friends, family and organisations such as Capability, none of us would be able to reach our full potential. Capability empowers its users right across Scotland to contribute and participate in whatever way they can. Their work is valuable in communities they serve, and their longstanding expertise is an asset we all benefit from.”
“ I would encourage everyone to get involved with Capability Scotland’s campaign, raising awareness and funds for their activities. Swapping real books with the Great Scottish Book Off is a wonderful way to share ideas, discoveries and friendship. Get together to read, swap and share.”
Capability Scotland Head of Fundraising, Margaret Clift McNulty, said:
“We are very grateful to Fran as well as to Harper Collins and Canongate for helping us to promote the Great Scottish Book Off. We hope the event will capture the imagination of book lovers, and those who are new to reading, across the country.”
The money raised from the Great Scottish Book Off will be used to support disabled people in Scotland. Just £5 could pay for a kit which allows us to assess the level of understanding of someone who has no verbal communication. £50 could give one member of staff the training, tools and support they need to make sure they are helping people reach their full communication potential.
To get your Great Scottish Book Off Pack please contact: Julie Spence, Community and Events Fundraising Manager on 07787 536 658 or Julie.spence@capability-scotland.org.uk.
Submitted by LAUREN
