Pupils in the Inverness area will benefit from a significant funding boost aimed at enhancing school library projects. The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), acting on behalf of the Scottish Government, has allocated grants through the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF). This initiative supports creative projects that align with the national strategy, Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools, which promotes the development of school libraries.
The funding has enabled Culloden Academy and five primary schools to secure a total of £13,930 for their project titled Reading is for Everyone. Across this funding cycle, a total of 17 projects spanning 78 schools have been awarded financial support. These initiatives are designed to focus on essential skills such as employability, digital literacy, and creativity while fostering family learning and enhancing students’ passion for reading.
Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, emphasized the vital role of school libraries in inspiring students to engage with literature. “School libraries play a vital role in getting children and young people excited about reading, empowering them to learn and preparing them for the future,” she stated. Gilruth highlighted that the funding since the inception of SLIF in 2017 has totaled over £1.8 million, facilitating innovative programs aimed at improving literacy skills and addressing the poverty-related attainment gap.
Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, reinforced the importance of school libraries as nurturing environments for young learners. She remarked, “School libraries are safe, inspiring spaces that help young people learn, grow and reach their full potential. This year’s 17 successful projects reflect the ingenuity of school library teams committed to developing employability skills and fostering family learning in their communities.”
The current funding cycle for 2025-26 brings the total investment from the Scottish Government to an impressive £1.87 million since the SLIF’s launch. This fund is accessible to all state-run nurseries, primary, and secondary schools, allowing institutions to apply individually or in collaboration, ensuring equitable access to transformative support.
Through these initiatives, schools in the Inverness area are poised to create vibrant learning environments that not only enhance literacy but also strengthen the connection between families and their children through the joy of reading. Educational leaders and community members alike await the positive impacts these innovative library projects will have on students in the region.
