Reading Schools visit the Isle of Lewis

– Above: The Reading Schools team and staff from Leabharlainn nan Eilean Siar / Western Isles Libraries in Stornoway Library

The Reading Schools team were warmly welcomed to the Isle of Lewis in March 2025 to attend the Islands Literacy Symposium(this will open in a new window) and support Leabharlainn nan Eilean Siar / Western Isles Libraries to launch their new project to ‘reimagine literacy in the islands’ and support schools in further building a positive reading culture and becoming Reading Schools. 

We spoke at the Symposium, alongside Makar Peter Mackay, on the importance of reading and stories in childhood and what Scottish Book Trust can do to support it. This event also gave us the opportunity to speak with senior staff in Education at Comhairle nan Eileen Siar (Council) and appear on BBC Alba(this will open in a new window) and local radio to spread the message further.

– Reading Schools Project Manager Liam being interviewed for BBC Alba - you can watch the recording online(this will open in a new window) [for now!].

We delivered tailored training for the library service staff, providing insights into our experience of embedding positive reading cultures in schools across Scotland and equipping them to provide support to their first Reading Schools. We also gained great insights into how we can continue to support Gaelic speakers and learners within the programme further!

– A Gaelic review for Kylie Minogue’s book

We also managed to pack in a hybrid support session for teachers and fantastic visits to five nearby schools: The Nicholson Institute, Tong Primary, Sgoil a Bhac, Stornoway Primary and Sgoil Na Loch, providing a creative variety of assemblies, class visits, and meetings with ambitious Reading Leadership Groups and staff. 

So much love for stories and reading, and a chance for our team to gain real insights into local culture and community. We can’t wait to see what happens next for Reading Schools across the Western Isles!

– Clara, Anna and Liam enjoy a spot of sunshine in Stornoway

Reading Schools support is made possible across the Western Isles through their successful SLIF funding(this will open in a new window), enabling Leabharlainn nan Eilean Siar / Western Isles Libraries to provide resources, training, and support for staff, pupils, and families with aim of encouraging a lifelong love of reading and developing literacy skills.

The Reading Schools team are very happy to support these kinds of events and initiatives for local authorities across Scotland. Please contact us at readingschools@scottishbooktrust.com(this will open in a new window) to discuss. 

Further resources

Find out more about the programme and how it might look in your setting.

• How does Reading Schools work?(this will open in a new window)
• Reading Schools CLPL(this will open in a new window)
• Article: Reading Schools in Gaelic Medium classes and schools(this will open in a new window)
• Article: Showcasing Reading Schools with East Lothian Council(this will open in a new window)