Only three in ten Scottish children enjoy reading in spare time

This comes as Scottish authors Jackie Kay, Val McDermid and Ian Rankin are unveiled as the Trust's National Year of Reading ambassadors in a bid to boost reading in children and adults.

Only one in six children read daily, while while nearly one in three said they rarely or never read in their free time. The highest levels of reading enjoyment was found among 8 to 11‑year‑olds.

The study found children and young people in Scotland who do not currently enjoy reading said that finding reading materials based on their passions, as well as books linked to films or TV, would motivate them to read, as well as compelling book covers and titles and autonomy of choice.

The research found song lyrics, fiction, non-fiction and comics to be the most popular reading materials for Scotland’s young people. It revealed comics provide a particularly unique opportunity to engage boys, who continue to lag behind girls in their enjoyment of both reading and daily reading habits as the only reading material significantly more widely ready by boys than girls across both print and screen.

Ambassador Ms Kay said : “A book is the best friend you never fall out with or lose touch with. Once you fall in love with reading, you have the loyal company of a lifetime.

“A window to the whole world, a secret key to understanding yourself. A good book gets you. And you feel known. There’s your past self, your future self, your possible selves. And there’s the characters in your life lit up and illuminated. Books tell the story of your life back to you.”

Ms McDermid said: “Reading is a window on the world beyond our own. It shows us possibilities and gives us the tools to make them realities. Reading is the greatest gift we can give our children. And ourselves."

The National Year of Reading was launched in Scotland on Monday by the Queen at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh.

David Hayman, director of the National Year of Reading, said: “Reading is one of the most powerful tools we have to learn, create and grow. But right now, too many people are switching off from it. The National Year of Reading’s ‘Go All In’ campaign will transform how the nation sees reading, reaching people where they are and getting them excited about rediscovering the power, joy and relevance it can bring to their lives.

“Today’s event captured the energy and optimism we need to put reading back at the heart of our culture. Reading in all its forms can unlock the things we already love, so whatever your passion: if you’re into it, read into it.”

In response to previous research indicating that one in four primary schools in Scotland does not have a library, the National Literacy Trust and Penguin Books’ Libraries for Primaries campaign has transformed library spaces in 100 Scottish primary schools.

Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “The National Year of Reading provides us with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate the UK’s relationship with reading and change people’s life stories.”