First Minister hands out gift bags to Wardie pupils during Book Week Scotland

First Minister John Swinney visited Wardie Primary School in Edinburgh to mark Book Week Scotland. He gave pupils in primaries two and three gift bags from the Read Write Count with the First Minister programme before joining them so he could hear about their new books, storytelling cards and numeracy games.

The First Minister said: “As my Government works to eradicate child poverty, I wanted to make clear my personal commitment to encouraging reading, literacy and numeracy among children and young people.

“The most recent figures show literacy levels in primary schools have reached a record high – and that the attainment gap in literacy between primary pupils from the most and least deprived areas is at a record low.

“But we are determined to drive further improvements and that is why programmes like Read Write Count with the First Minister are so valuable. With thanks to our partners in the Scottish Book Trust, it helps children and young people by making learning a fun family activity.

“Book Week Scotland is the perfect time to acknowledge the hugely positive benefits of reading for pleasure on wellbeing and attainment. I am convinced that developing an early love of reading can help us throughout our lives.

“The theme this year is hope and I believe it is well chosen, because reading inspires children and young people to imagine how things might be not only different, but better. I want every child in Scotland, no matter their circumstances, to be filled with hope for a better future.”

CEO of Scottish Book Trust Marc Lambert said: “Gifting Read Write Count bags to every P2 and P3 pupil in schools across Scotland is one of Scottish Book Trust’s yearly highlights. For many children, the books they receive through the Bookbug and Read Write Count gifting programmes are the only books they have at home.

“We know access to books makes a big impact on children’s lives, with research showing it can boost attainment across the curriculum, as well as improving wellbeing, empathy and future opportunities. We thank the First Minister for joining us at Wardie Primary as the pupils and families were gifted their bags.”

Book Week Scotland runs from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 November.