What is National Year of Reading?

The National Year of Reading launched earlier this year in Edinburgh, UNESCO City of Literature, to address the nation's decline in reading for pleasure. Her Majesty the Queen was spotted just round the corner from Heriot's at the National Library of Scotland to promote the 'once-in-a-generation' initiative to address the challenge of literacy in young people.

More information here.

Schools sit at the heart of the campaign and the Development Team has been inspired to "Go All In" and make reading count in 2026.

How to get involved as a Former Pupil

The year aims to reconnect people of all ages with reading in any format. Is your passion graphic novels, music lyrics, board game instructions or perhaps an anthology of poems? All literature fuels curiosity and discovery. 

To mark World Book Day (05 March) we're asking Former Pupils to share their favourite childhood reading material.  What sparks nostalgia from your time at Heriot's? What books are you introducing to the next generation that are throwbacks to your own youth?

While our Junior School prepare to dress up as their favourite characters and buddy up for a readathon, we're keen to hear from you.

Share your favourite childhood book

Send us a wee note by email or use the comments section below to join the conversation. Be sure to include the following information:

📖 Name of book

✏  Author

3 words to describe the book

A sentence describing why this sparks nostalgia

We encourage you to check the comments section below for inspiration from the Development Team. We can't wait to hear about what inspired your love of reading.