National Year of Reading given royal launch in Edinburgh

The National Year of Reading was launched on Monday at the National Library of Scotland on George IV Bridge.

Her Majesty the Queen was joined by Scottish authors, Dennis the Menace and 150 children from two Edinburgh primary schools, Granton Primary School and Clovenstone Primary School, to make the announcement.

The Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust are using the year to deal with a decline in the number of people of all ages who read books. New research has shown that there are especially low numbers of children and young people who enjoy reading in their free time.

Scottish authors, Jackie Kay, Val McDermid and Sir Ian Rankin were named as National Year of Reading ambassadors at today’s event.

The three writers also feature in the National Library of Scotland’s centenary ‘Dear Library’ exhibition, which Her Majesty explored on arrival.

 

Jackie Kay, award-winning author, poet, and National Year of Reading ambassador, said: “A book is the best friend you never fall out with or lose touch with. Once you fall in love with reading, you have the loyal company of a lifetime. A window to the whole world, a secret key to understanding yourself. A good book gets you! And you feel known. There’s your past self, your future self, your possible selves! And there’s the characters in your life lit up and illuminated! Books tell the story of your life back to you.”

Val McDermid, award-winning author and National Year of Reading ambassador, said: “Reading is a window on the world beyond our own. It shows us possibilities and gives us the tools to make them realities. Reading is the greatest gift we can give our children. And ourselves.”
Sir Ian Rankin, award-winning novelist and National Year of Reading ambassador, said: “It is important that we become a nation of readers and relearn the joy and empowerment that come with reading. The written word connects us to the world more surely than soundbites and social media, helping us to understand more fully who we are and what we are capable of achieving. I am privileged to be an ambassador for the National Year of Reading.”

There was a roundtable discussion to agree the priorities and what needs to be done to ensure that a love of reading is sparked in schools, communities and at home which Her Majesty joined for a short time.

Beano

At today’s event the Beano comic helped to immerse the primary schoolchildren in reading, writing and illustrating comics. Using a bespoke three panel Beano comic strip featuring The Queen and Dennis the Menace as a story starter – a special print of which was later presented to Her Majesty by pupils – Beano’s Directors of Mischief (Mike Stirling) and Mayhem (Craig Graham) worked with local pupils from Granton Primary School and The Queen to create a mischievous National Year of Reading comic strip.

Her Majesty joined a group of pupils from Granton Primary School and Clovenstone Primary School to try their hand at illustrating Dennis the Menace’s pet dog, Gnasher, with comics artist and cartoonist Nigel Auchterlounie. Comics artist Laura Howell also helped children draw their own Minnie the Minx characters. To continue their reading journeys at home, generous donations from DC Thomson, HarperCollins and Penguin Random House meant all 150 children were gifted a mix of brand new Beano comics, Beano books and extra children’s books to keep.

Her Majesty also attended a reception with National Year of Reading ambassadors before listening to speeches by David Hayman, Scottish actor, who is Director of the National Year of Reading, Amina Shah, Chief Executive of the National Library of Scotland, and author and ambassador, Val McDermid.

Jonathan Douglas CBE, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “The National Year of Reading provides us with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate the UK’s relationship with reading and change people’s life stories. With incredible ambassadors, events and partnerships at the fore, in addition to the invaluable support of the National Literacy Trust’s Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, the National Year of Reading can inspire every child, young person and adult to go all in on their passions, feed their curiosities and connect with others through reading – in 2026 and beyond.”

David Hayman, Director of the National Year of Reading, said: “Reading is one of the most powerful tools we have to learn, create and grow. But right now, too many people are switching off from it. The National Year of Reading’s ‘Go All In’ campaign will transform how the nation sees reading, reaching people where they are and getting them excited about rediscovering the power, joy and relevance it can bring to their lives.

“Today’s event captured the energy and optimism we need to put reading back at the heart of our culture. Reading in all its forms can unlock the things we already love, so whatever your passion: if you’re into it, read into it.”

The National Literacy Trust’s latest research provides compelling evidence to underpin the urgent need for the initiative. Based on a survey of 7,739 children and young people aged 8 to 18 in Scotland, the report revealed that just 3 in 10 (30.3%) said they enjoyed reading in their free time in 2025, while only 1 in 6 (16.8%) said they read daily in their free time.