Published: 26 Oct 2022
Chimpanzees at Edinburgh Zoo enjoy sharing Scotland’s Stories as Book Week Scotland launches its 2022 programme, including a vote to find Scotland’s favourite animal from fiction. Photo by Chris Scott.
The 2022 Book Week Scotland programme has been announced with a line-up themed around ‘Scotland’s Stories’, as part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022. Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, has worked closely with writers and partners to put together an exciting week packed full of online and in-person events and activities, taking place 14 to 20 November.
Book Week Scotland is the country’s biggest celebration of books and reading and this 1year the public are invited to vote on their favourite animal from fiction – voting is now open, and a national winner will be revealed during the week!
Events throughout the week include an evening with Sally Magnusson sharing stories from four vibrant Scottish communities, and Book Shriek Scotland – a celebration of Scotland’s folklore presented by Kirsty Logan and Heather Parry, featuring storytellers and writers including Garth Marenghi. Scottish Book Trust will also be asking people to share what they’re reading during the week on a Reading Map of Scotland.
A new book, Scotland’s Stories, has been published by Scottish Book Trust, featuring true stories from people across Scotland as well as exclusive contributions from published writers Angus Peter Campbell, Raman Mundair, Graeme Armstrong and Helen Fields. 70,000 copies of the book will be given out for free during Book Week Scotland through libraries and community spaces, and it will also be available to read online and as an audiobook.
From icons of literature to local tales, Scotland’s Year of Stories encourages locals and visitors to experience a diversity of voices, take part in events and explore the places, people and cultures connected to all forms of our stories, past and present.
Book Week Scotland programme highlights:
Chimpanzees at Edinburgh Zoo enjoy sharing Scotland’s Stories as Book Week Scotland launches its 2022 programme, including a vote to find Scotland’s favourite animal from fiction. Photo by Chris Scott.
The full Book Week Scotland 2022 programme is now live.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Book Week Scotland is a special time of year, where people across Scotland can come together to celebrate and experience the magic of books and reading. The 2022 programme features a mix of fun, spooky, inspiring and unusual events and activities. This year’s Book Week Scotland forms part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, celebrating Scotland’s rich culture of telling stories. We hope you’ll be able to join in with a Book Week Scotland event in your community, or one of the many ways to take part online.”
Sally Magnusson, broadcaster and writer, said: “I am delighted to be hosting ‘Scotland’s Stories: Tales from the People of Scotland’ during Book Week Scotland because this special event celebrates the stories that remind us who we are, that connect us to our families and our communities and that enable us to share the challenges and the joys of life with one another. Showcasing the extraordinary stories from ordinary people at the Glasgow Film Theatre is a great way to round off Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.”
Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland, said: “Book Week Scotland is upon us with an imaginative and inspiring programme to excite, intrigue and surprise. This high-profile national focus on literature brings readers together to engage with stories and meet their favourite authors. In particular this year’s connection with the Year of Stories allows our folklore and rich heritage to be viewed and enjoyed through contemporary voices.”
Pamela Tulloch, Chief Executive of the Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC), said: “Book Week Scotland is a terrific opportunity to celebrate everything that is great about books, reading and bringing together people, families, and communities to explore and revel in the power of words and shared stories. Libraries across Scotland have great programmes lined up during Book Week Scotland.
“Research shows that reading for just six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by up to 68 per cent in people of all ages, and with our libraries across Scotland filled with an abundance of free reading materials – whatever your interests and ability – we hope people will take the opportunity to use Book Week Scotland to start or get back to enjoying books and at the same time rediscover the enchanting world of the many brilliant libraries right on their doorstep.”
Neil Gray MSP, Minister for Culture, said: “Book Week Scotland’s theme around Scotland’s Year of Stories continues our celebration of innovative and ground-breaking forms of storytelling. This has been a bumper year for new and untold stories from people in communities across Scotland.
“There has never been a better time to enjoy a good story and this week’s events will also highlight the wealth of emerging and forward-looking writing and storytelling talent we have on our doorsteps.”
Scottish Book Trust is a national charity that believes everyone living in Scotland should have equal access to books. Our work provides opportunities to improve life chances through books and the fundamental skills of reading and writing. Access to books and a love of books bring many important benefits from family bonding and advancing children’s learning, to unlocking creativity, helping employability and improving mental health & well-being. Scottish Book Trust aims to support all communities across Scotland, with particular focus on those who are vulnerable and under-represented. Find us online: scottishbooktrust.com and follow: @scottishbktrust fb.com/scottishbktrust instagram.com/scottishbooktrust.
Book Week Scotland was initiated by Scottish Government and supported by funds from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland Targeted Funding and SLIC, Book Week Scotland 2022 will be delivered by Scottish Book Trust from 14–20 November. This year’s Book Week Scotland has also been supported by Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022. For more information about Book Week Scotland 2022 visit bookweekscotland.com and follow @BookWeekScot and #BookWeekScotland on Twitter, or like the Book Week Scotland Facebook page.
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) is the independent advisory to the Scottish Government on library and information related matters. It offers leadership focus and support to libraries and information services countrywide, leading development, promoting innovation and monitoring standards. To find out more about SLIC, visit: ScottishLibraries.org.
Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 will spotlight, celebrate and promote the wealth of stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland. Led by VisitScotland, the Year of Stories 2022 will sustain and build upon the momentum of preceding Themed Years, showcasing a nationwide programme of major events and community celebrations. Join the conversation using #YS2022 and #TalesOfScotland.
Please direct all media requests to Abi Baross, Marketing and PR Manager: abi.baross@scottishbooktrust.com or call 07854 135286.
