Yesterday, Kilmarnock Academy hosted a visit from children’s author Barry Hutchison. Pupils from five other East Ayrshire secondary schools joined some of our S1 pupils in the assembly hall to listen to Barry talk about his books. Pupils had the chance to ask questions and get books signed at the end of the event.

This event was part of our annual Spring Read book festival. Every year in February and March, school librarians arrange for authors to visit our schools and speak to young people about the writing process and their inspiration. These visits are part funded by the host schools and part funded by the Live Literature programme – run by the Scottish Book Trust.