Elgin Academy declared a Gold Reading School

Elgin Academy has become the first secondary in Moray to achieve the gold award in the Scottish Book Trust’s Reading Schools programme.

The award recognises schools that have created an environment that celebrates the fun and importance of reading.

Librarian Shelagh Toonen and her school improvement group have conducted reading projects with primary schools as well as Anderson’s care home.

They've also wored with business and held a fundraiser in order to buy, then donate books.

Fourth-year pupil Evie Collins is a Reading Leader.

She said: "Working towards our gold award gave us the opportunity to build connections in and outside of school. It helped us to share our love of reading."

Bethan Dodd, another S4 Reading Leader, added: "Achieving gold has taught us that we still have lots of creative opportunities to share reading in our community."

As well as being the leader of Moray Council, Kathleen Robertson also chairs its education committee.

She said: "Massive congratulations are due to everyone at Elgin Academy. It's an amazing achievement to become the first school in Moray to receive this award.

"It’s so encouraging to see the dedication the staff and pupils."

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