A RENFREW primary school has picked up an award as part of the First Minister's Reading Challenge.

At a ceremony held in Edinburgh this morning, St James' Primary School received the School Reading the Most Books prize from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

And primary seven pupil Kieran Mitchell was also handed the Pupil Reading Journey Award in recognition of his transformation from a reluctant reader to someone who has developed a love of books and writing...and has even talked about a career in journalism. 

Ms Sturgeon said: “I’d like to congratulate all the schools and pupils who have taken part in this year’s challenge. They’ve all worked really hard over the past year and are a credit to their local communities.

“Raising attainment is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s work. That is why I launched the First Minister’s Reading Challenge – to encourage reading for pleasure from an early age which in turn, helps improve children’s literacy.”

Derek Mackay, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, also congratulated the pupils at St James'.

He said: “It is fantastic that St James’ Primary’s hard work has been recognised by the First Minister, with an award for reading the most books. 

“Almost 1,000 primary schools across Scotland took part in the First Minister’s Reading Challenge this year, opening up a world of adventure and fun to young people whilst also giving them really important literacy, writing and language skills.

“I hope we can encourage even more kids to enjoy the benefits of reading by signing even more schools from Renfrewshire up to the First Minister’s Reading Challenge.”