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BOOKSTART IN SCOTLAND DAY CELEBRATIONS
To celebrate the announcement of a further 3 years of funding for Bookstart in Scotland from the Scottish Executive Education Department, Bookstart will hold the first ever "Bookstart in Scotland Day"  on Thursday 19th May 2005.

To give the event a particularly Scottish flavour, Bookstart in Scotland Day is being held at castles up and down the country from Eilean Donan Castle in the Highlands to Edinburgh Castle in the heart of the Capital. The events are expected to bring thousands of parents and babies together to sing traditional rhymes and songs such as 'Wee Willie Winkie', and 'Humpty Dumpty'.

Other castles hosting events are Stirling Castle, Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire and Methven Castle in Perth and Kinross. In authorities with no available castle, Bookstart Co-ordinators are getting creative and events are being held in Alloa Tower in Clackmannanshire and in several bouncy castles in Falkirk and North Ayrshire. Many libraries are also hosting events with cardboard castles in their children's section.

The well-known Scottish Illustrator Julie Lacome, who has illustrated over 30 books and written several others including 'Walk Through The Jungle' and 'Ruthie's Big Old Coat' is also involved in the celebrations. Julie produced a beautiful rhyme sheet for Bookstart in Scotland Day, copies of which are being gifted to all babies and children who attend an event.

Bookstart, administrated by Booktrust, is the first national books for babies scheme in the world. Every baby in Scotland receives a free bag of books from their health visitor at their 7-9 month check. This gift demonstrates to parents the benefits of reading with their children from as early an age as possible and shows how books offer a tremendous bonding experience and allow for lots of fun and shared laughter. The gift also encourages parents to make going to the library and singing rhymes part of their child's routine. Bookstart's research has shown that children who love books and are introduced to them from a very early age go on to do much better at school.

The following events have been organised by the Highland Council's Education, Culture and Sport Service for Bookstart in Scotland Day, Thursday May 19th, 2005.

Caithness
Please note: Both Caithness events will take place on Wednesday May 18th, 2005.
* Thurso - Thurso Library from 2:00pm - 2:45pm. Stories and more for pre-school age children.
* Wick - Wick Library from 10:30am - 11:30pm. Stories and more for pre-school age children.

Inverness
* Inverness - Eastgate Shopping Centre from 11:00am - 3:30pm. Join libraries staff in the upper mall near the atrium for stories, songs and fun for pre-school age children on the hour, every hour. Information will also be available on the range of services offered by Highland Libraries.
* Inverness - Inverness Library from 2:00pm - 2:45pm. Stories and more for pre-school age children.

Ross & Cromarty
* Cromarty - Cromarty Library from 3:30pm - 4:00pm. Bob Pegg will entertain pre-school age children with stories and songs about Castles, Princes and Princesses. Children are encouraged to come in castle-themed costumes.
* Dingwall - Dingwall Library from 10:40am - 11:00 am. Bob Pegg entertains at the regular Dingwall Toddler Rhyme Time for 2-3s with stories and songs about Castles, Princes and Princesses. Children are encouraged to come in castle-themed costumes.
* Fortrose - Black Isle Leisure Centre from 2:00pm - 3:00pm. Bob Pegg entertains pre-school age children with stories and songs about Castles, Princes and Princesses. A bouncy castle, mini-library, skittles, soft play area and information for parents will also be available. Children are encouraged to come in castle-themed costumes.

Skye & Lochalsh
* Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh - Dornie Hall from 10:00am -12:00pm. A fun-filled morning of music, drama, stories, rhymes, art and play activities for pre-school age children on the theme of castles and set against the stunning backdrop of Eilean Donan Castle.

Lochaber
* Fort William - Fort William Library from 6:00pm - 7:00pm. Nippers in Slippers - Bedtime stories and more for pre-school age children.

Parents and guardians with a baby aged between 9-12 months who have not yet received their Bookstart Bag should contact their local health visitor or library for assistance or phone the National Co-ordinator for Bookstart in Scotland, Caroline McLeod on 0131 556 7990.