Pupils in the Inverness area will soon benefit from enhanced educational resources as school library projects receive a significant funding boost. The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), acting on behalf of the Scottish Government, has awarded grants through the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF). This initiative supports innovative projects that align with the national strategy, “Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools,” aimed at enhancing school library services across Scotland.
Among the beneficiaries, Culloden Academy and five primary schools have collectively secured £13,930 for their “Reading is for Everyone” project. This year, a total of 17 projects spanning 78 schools have received funding. The selected initiatives focus on crucial areas such as employability skills, digital literacy, creativity, and family learning. They are designed to foster a love for reading among pupils, support neurodiverse students, and strengthen the relationship between parents and children through shared reading experiences.
Government Commitment to School Libraries
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth emphasized the vital role school libraries play in inspiring young people to read. “School libraries empower children to learn and prepare them for the future,” she stated. “That’s why we’ve proudly supported the School Library Improvement Fund since it started in 2017.”
Gilruth highlighted that this year’s funding brings the total investment to over £1.8 million, aimed at helping schools create innovative programmes that connect pupils with books and stories. “These initiatives help improve literacy skills and support our work to close the poverty-related attainment gap,” she added, expressing confidence that the funded projects will have a positive impact on pupils throughout Scotland.
A Vision for the Future of School Libraries
Alison Nolan, chief executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council, echoed Gilruth’s sentiments. “School libraries are inspiring spaces that facilitate learning and personal growth,” she said. Nolan praised the School Library Improvement Fund for championing creativity and innovation within school libraries.
“This year’s successful projects reflect the commitment of school library teams to enhance employability skills, improve digital literacy, and promote family learning within their communities,” she noted. The recent investment will enable school libraries to adapt to the evolving needs of pupils, parents, and educators alike.
The total funding for the 2025-26 School Library Improvement Fund has reached £1.87 million since the programme’s inception. This initiative is accessible to all state-run nurseries, primary, and secondary schools, allowing institutions to apply individually or collaboratively. This broad access ensures that transformative support reaches a wide range of educational settings, benefiting countless students across the region.
