Author Alexander joins up for Book Week ‘read-in’

AUTHOR Alexander McCall Smith was today taking part in a “read-in” at the National Museum of Scotland as part of Book Week.

The Reading Hour, which began at 11am, saw thousands of people encouraged to stop what they were doing and open a book.

Book Week Scotland is the first national celebration of books and reading and is run by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Book Trust.

Museum vistors without a book at hand could pick up a free copy of My Favourite Place, a collection of more than 30 stories and poems written by the public and well-known writers such as Michael Palin and Liz Lochhead.

Craig Fletcher, learning manager at National Museums Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in this national celebration of reading. As well as the events, we’re hoping that the galleries will be filled with people finding their own inspirational space to read.

“The Reading Hour was an opportunity for people across Scotland to take part in a national moment of reading. The message is a simple one: a well-read populace creates a happier, more productive, more articulate and better informed nation.”