Bellsbank Primary School recently received a welcomed funding boost to support library projects at the school.

The school was given a grant of £4,000 to improve literacy and support anti-racism and equality projects based in libraries.

A total of £200,000 of funding from the School Library Fund is expected to benefit around 20,000 pupils across Scotland.

Elena Whitham, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock, and Doon Valley, has said it will help the Scottish Government teach young people about the harmful effects of racism so that they can challenge discrimination when they see it.

Cumnock Chronicle: Elena Whitham MSP for Carrick, Cumnock, and Doon Valley has welcomed the boost.Elena Whitham MSP for Carrick, Cumnock, and Doon Valley has welcomed the boost. (Image: Elena Whitham MSP)

Ms Whitham, said: “It’s so important for young people in Scotland to be educated in the history and consequences of racism, and I welcome this funding from the Scottish Government that will empower them to call out prejudice and hate in our communities.

“School libraries play a valuable role in providing opportunities for pupils in schools, and this investment underlines the SNP’s commitment to making sure young people in Ayrshire have as many opportunities open to them as possible.

“The SNP in government is committed to enriching our young peoples’ education – from delivering record success rates in exams, to embedding anti-racism and equity at the very heart of our education system.”