Latest news with #ScottishBookTrust
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Edinburgh bookshop devastated as CCTV shows grim crime as they lock up for day
An Edinburgh bookshop was targeted in a brazen burglary with thieves who allegedly nicked hundreds of pounds from a charity tin. Argonaut Books on Leith Walk was victimised in the theft on the evening of Saturday, June 21. Police confirmed they received a report of the burglary around 8.40pm. READ MORE: Edinburgh locals warn 'we will go to war over parking' if development goes ahead READ MORE: Edinburgh locals party atop Arthur's Seat at stunning sunset rave Shopkeepers at the store, located at 15-17 Leith Walk, were preparing to shut for the night when a group of four thieves allegedly entered the bookshop, stealing the donation money from a Scottish Book Trust charity tin. Bosses assured customers on social media their staff are "all fine" but that the thieves were "threatening and aggressive", adding "as retail workers, it's nothing that we've not seen before." A CCTV image shared via the shop's Instagram appears to show an individual wearing a white T-shirt reaching into a charity tin. A message on Argonaut's Instagram reads: "We were robbed last night. Its one thing when it's our stock or our money that is targeted, there's insurance and systems in place for this, but when it's stealing from a charity in an extremely direct way then we just can't abide it. "Beyond the obvious anger and gurstration we feel, what happened last night is representative of the struggle that SBT and other charities are up against if they can't even be guaranteed the pennies from our counter. However, we will always try to make the best out of a bad situation! This morning we have made a donation of £300. "On top of our own £300 donation, we will be donation matching up to a further £300 this week. There's a link in our bio and in our stories that takes you directly to the donation page of the SBT website. "Anything you can spare is appreciated and goes directly to funding the immensely important work that the SBT do. Even if you can't give at the moment, telling a friend or sharing is also extremely helpful. Thank you all and we'll see you in the bookshop soon! A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'We received a report of a theft from a premises on Leith Walk, Edinburgh, around 8.40pm on Saturday, 22 June, 2025. Enquiries are at an early stage.' Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community her e and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
The Herald Scotland
03-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Research says 'vital' public libraries are 'endangered'
Based on surveys of 2000 library users and 300 staff from across Scotland, and led by national charity Scottish Book Trust, the extensive independent research was undertaken in partnership with Scotland's major library organisations the National Library of Scotland (NLS), the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), and the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland (CILIPS). The authors have called for more support for the sector, arguing that legal definitions must be strengthened, funding should be increased, and published data should be made much more comprehensive. The report – The value and impact of Scotland's public libraries – highlights a range of personal, social and economic benefits provided by libraries across the country: survey respondents overwhelming agree that libraries inspire a love of reading, support learning, and save people money. Key findings from the report will be presented at the Scottish Government Cross Party Group on Culture and Communities event in Parliament on Wednesday 4 June, which will explore the role of libraries and other cultural institutions as community hubs. One particular area of importance for libraries is digital inclusion. Recent research has found that around fifteen percent of the Scottish population faces some form of digital inequality, and that 19 council areas in Scotland 'have a high likelihood of digital exclusion.' However, almost all libraries offer access to Wi-Fi and computers, and 70 percent also provide access to ebooks. The report also highlights the contribution of libraries to 'learning opportunities' in communities. It notes that around a quarter of adults in Scotland may face 'challenges and limited opportunities' due to poor literacy levels, and that these individuals tend to earn less than they otherwise would with even basic literacy skills. Nearly 70 percent of respondents said that access to learning is a 'very important' aspect of library provision, with examples including the use of library materials for online learning, and individuals teaching themselves new skills that helped to improve their lives. Another area of focus for researchers was 'active citizenship', which refers to 'the library's role in supporting communities to be informed about their democratic rights and access, to be empowered to voice their concerns and decisions, and to engage with their local authority, all with the goal of shaping local and national services to their needs.' Survey data shows that libraries are seen as welcoming, inclusive spaces that are able to reach and support a diverse range of people and ensure equal access to information. Disabled, LGBT+ and autistic library users are all quoted supporting the idea of libraries as a 'safe space' for those who need it. READ MORE: The report concludes with a number of recommendations. The first two call on the Scottish Government to publish 'clear legal definitions' of what an 'adequate' library services looks like, and to then 'empower local authorities across Scotland with sufficient funding and resource' to meet those standards. Local authorities are expected to train and support librarians 'to deliver a progressive and accessible library service' and to publish annual reports with clear data on the provision of that service and its use by local communities. Éadaoin Lynch, Research and Evaluation Manager at Scottish Book Trust, said: 'Nowhere else in modern life, whether urban or rural, is there a public space where anyone can enter and remain without the expectation of payment or labour. Nowhere else is there a public space where people can access information, combat digital poverty, learn new skills, socialise with others, express themselves creatively, and seek to self-improve, entirely for free. 'These institutions are vital for every person in Scotland, and they are endangered.' Alison Nolan, Chief Executive, SLIC commented: 'This research highlights the essential role of Scotland's public libraries in advancing equity, education, and community wellbeing. 'By elevating the voices of users and staff, it reveals how libraries anchor resilient communities and help individuals navigate critical challenges -from low literacy and misinformation to economic hardship and mental ill health. A timely and urgent reminder that sustained investment in libraries is not optional -it is fundamental to building a fairer, more resilient society." Sean McNamara, CILIPS Director, commented: 'This report is an essential read for anyone concerned with the impact our public libraries are having and the impact wider challenges are having on them. It presents a detailed picture of the incredible difference our libraries and librarians make to millions of people's lives and in so many ways, all whilst facing a false economy of significant and ongoing budget cuts." A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Library policy is devolved to local authorities, and ministers expect councils to ensure there is adequate provision of library services for their residents. 'We believe libraries are at the heart of Scotland's communities. That is why we provide annual funding to the Scottish Library and Information Council, including £450,000 towards the Public Library Improvement Fund which exemplify the transformative power of libraries, from introducing digital inclusiveness to teaching about economic wellbeing.'
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
North Lanarkshire school awarded prestigious Silver Reading Schools Award
The recognition for Alexander Peden Primary in Harthill celebrates their commitment to fostering a vibrant reading culture throughout their school community. A North Lanarkshire school has announced they have been awarded the prestigious Silver Reading Schools Award by the Scottish Book Trust. The recognition for Alexander Peden Primary in Harthill celebrates their commitment to fostering a vibrant reading culture throughout their school community. Lyndsay McIndewar, the school's acting principal teacher, said: 'I am delighted with this achievement, it illustrates the commitment from everyone fostering a love of reading within our school community. 'Through the dedication of our teachers, the enthusiasm from our pupils, and the support from our families, we have built a vibrant reading culture that inspires learning and imagination. 'A special thank you has to go to our children within our Reading Pupil Focus Group for their leadership and passion for reading that encouraged them to create amazing activities for every class, and we couldn't have achieved this without them.' Staff and pupils at the school have worked tirelessly over the past year to boost enthusiasm for reading, with initiatives ranging from book clubs and paired reading sessions to creative literacy events. Their efforts have now been recognised at a national level. Pupils at Alexander Peden were just as excited about the recognition. 'Helping to organise the book café was such an exciting time. I loved seeing everyone enjoy the books and the atmosphere that we created,' said P6 pupil Lexi. 'It made me feel proud to be part of the Reading Pupil Focus Group.' Primary seven pupil Amy added: 'We started doing Reading Superstars every week to celebrate how much effort pupils put into their reading. 'It's really rewarding seeing who gets a certificate, and it makes everyone want to read even more!' As one enthusiastic Primary 2 pupil, Miller, put it: 'The Reading Pupil Focus Group has helped me get better at reading and now I enjoy it. I like picking new books from Miss Mac!' The Silver Award marks an important step towards the school's aim of achieving Gold status in the future. Staff are already planning more activities to build on the momentum, including community reading. This achievement reflects the school's dedication to literacy and the collective effort of their entire community.
The Herald Scotland
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Dundee and Angus Scots Scriever announced
The post follows successful appointments in previous years with Alison Miller as Orcadian Scriever in 21/22, Shane Strachan as Doric Scriever in 22/23, and Susi Briggs as Dumfries and Galloway Scriever in 23/24. This year, the Library specifically sought applicants working in Dundee and Angus. Dyson is a writer and performer from Dundee. She is passionate about the Scots language, and has hosted the Scots Language Awards for the last two years. Winner of the Scottish Book Trust's 'New writers 2025' award for Spoken Word, Dyson recently adapted an NHS book for new parents into Dundonian Scots. She is passionate about women's stories, working-class stories and representation in the arts. READ MORE: 'A-Aye': Will artificial intelligence be a boon for Scots? National Library of Scotland unveils centenary programme Scotland's first-ever Gaelic Poetry Path launches on Skye She said: 'I am honoured and absolutely delighted to receive this prestigious residency, and follow in the footsteps of folk I greatly admire. Promoting and encouraging Scots means so much to me, so to have the opportunity to continue to do this in a supported environment is so exciting. When I was starting out as a playwright, connecting to the language I was brought up speaking helped me find my voice as an artist. And I would love to help others do the same. I cannot wait to get started on creating work across theatre, poetry and story and connecting with communities in my hometown over the importance of language and how it can empower us to find our voices.' Dyson co-runs the award-winning theatre duo, Elfie Picket Theatre, alongside her partner, and they focus on new writing. Her recent work includes Goodbye Dreamland Bowlarama and Pushin' Thirty at A Play, A Pie and A Pint, Dolly Parton Saved My Life (a community tour), and the ART Award winning one-woman show, Ane City, which has performed in Prague, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Dundee Rep Theatre. She also runs the monthly poetry night, BLETHER, at Sweet Venues in Dundee. Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland, said: "As the new Scots Scriever for Dundee and Angus, Taylor Dyson will be stepping into the footsteps of writers who have previously championed Orkney, Aberdeenshire, and Dumfries and Galloway. As a playwright and poet, she will not only have the time and space to develop her own creative work in Dundonian Scots but will have a platform to promote the Scots language across the region and further afield.' Taylor Dyson has been appointed as the Dundee and Angus Scots Scriever, where she will take up a year-long residency with the National Library of Scotland. (Image: National Library of Scotland) As Dundee and Angus Scriever, Dyson will produce original written work in Scots. The residency allows time for the exploration of the rich and extensive Scots language collections held at the National Library. Dyson will contribute to raising the profile, understanding and appreciation of the Scots language in general. Martha Burns Findlay, Head of Public Programmes at the National Library of Scotland, said: "This year we're celebrating 100 years of the National Library of Scotland. As the proud guardians of Scotland's cultural heritage, we not only preserve a historic record of the Scots language, but we also champion the vitality of Scots today. Taylor embodies the dynamism and vibrancy of Dundee and Angus' rich linguistic culture, and we're looking forward to working with her as our new Scots Scriever." Dyson's latest work, Goodbye Dreamland Bowlarama, is showing at the Oran Mor, Glasgow, from Monday May 12 to Saturday May 17. The play is a fish-out-of-water comedy, with original songs, about a lonely young woman who moves to Dundee in search of community. The 12-month post is funded by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland. Dyson will begin her residency in June 2025.
