Country music star, Dolly Parton is to give books away in Scotland to children in care.  The initiative in partnership with the Scottish Government and The Scottish Book’s Trust aims to give a free book to a child in care every month until their 5th birthday.  Just over 3,000 children will be involved.

The BBC are reporting that the Scottish project is the first to run the scheme on a national basis – the project began 3 years ago in Rotherham and targeted different local areas.

Dolly Parton said: “I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful effort. When I started the Imagination Library in my hometown, I never dreamed that one day we would be helping Scottish kids.

“Much of my music has been inspired by Scotland so it’s only right that we are now in a position to bring more joy into the lives of the nation’s looked after children.

“From the bottom of my country heart, I want to thank the Scottish government and the Scottish Book Trust for asking us to be part of something so special.”

The scheme is designed to ensure that children in care have the same chances in life as others and goes some way to help improve literacy skills of those involved.