An initiative between country singer Dolly Parton, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Book Trust to provide free books to looked after children has been hailed by local SNP MSP Derek Mackay.

Funds from the SNP government will enable the Imagination Library to provide 12 free books every year for all 3,341 looked after children in Scotland until they are five years old.

Minister for Children and Young People Angela Constance met Parton this week to mark the arrival of the programme that has seen more than 40,000 free books donated to young Scots, with more set to follow.

Angela Constance, SNP MSP for Almond Valley, said: “It was great to be able to thank Dolly personally for working with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Book Trust to ensure some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children benefit from the Imagination Library.

“It will help us ensure our looked after children will have the same opportunities as their peers to access books, be inspired by literature and learn the joy of reading.  

“The Scottish Government is committed to improving the life chances of Scotland’s looked after children.”

The Dollywood Foundation initiative gives looked after children a free book every month until they are five years old.

Parton said: “However, this is very important to me and I am so proud of our partnership with the Scottish Book Trust and the Scottish Government.  

“They love kids as much as I do and share a belief that if we do what is right for children now, they will do what is right for the rest of their lives.”

Mr Mackay says the initiative will have a huge impact on the lives of local looked after children.  Commenting, he said: 

“A lot of consideration is given to children about school-age but what is often missing is how to aid their development from birth to five years old.

“The early years in a child’s life are the most important for their learning and looked after children don’t always have the same opportunities as their peers.

“So this initiative is going to have such a positive impact on their lives and it is a testament to the SNP’s commitment to improving the lives of Scottish youngsters.

“The Imagination Library is a fantastic idea for the looked after children in this community.”