Article Source: Scottish Book Trust
Last Updated: 22 November 2017 10:08
Online auction of literary treats launched for Scottish charity.
Signed first edition Harry Potter among items available to bid on.
An online auction featuring exclusive literary items will be launched today ahead of Book Week Scotland. Funds from the auction will go towards Scottish Book Trust’s programmes to transform the lives of people across Scotland through reading and writing.
Book Week Scotland runs from 27 November to 3 December and the auction will close on Friday 1 December at noon.
Among the items available to bid on is a signed first edition of the second book in the iconic Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The book is signed by its author JK Rowling and is an exciting opportunity for fans of the series to own a rare piece of Potter magic.
Since the first in the series was published 20 years ago, the Harry Potter books have been distributed in more than 200 territories, translated into 68 languages and have sold over 400 million copies worldwide.
Also part of the online charity auction is the chance to win a portrait from one of the UK’s top illustrators, Chris Riddell. Chris was the 2015-2017 UK Children’s Laureate and is an accomplished artist, as well as the political cartoonist for the Observer newspaper.
Chris will create a portrait illustration of the winning bidder, or someone of their choosing, making this a unique and personal item to keep.
The auction items also include the opportunity for an unpublished writer to receive advice on getting published from leading literacy agency, Jenny Brown Associates. Among the agency’s dozens of authors are top writers Alasdair Gray, Lin Anderson and Sara Sheridan, and they have guided the careers of many more.
The chance to receive valuable one-on-one industry advice, including how to get an agent and how to find a publisher, could be the crucial turning point for a budding writer looking for help to take their work to the next level.
Information on each of the auction items and how to bid is available online at Scottish Book Trust website here
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “These exciting auction items each offer a rare opportunity to bid for a literary treat, while supporting our work in communities across Scotland. We rely on fundraising, donations and grants to continue bringing our life-changing programmes to people from all walks of life, so that everyone has an equal chance to thrive through reading and writing.
“Book Week Scotland is for everyone and is a celebration of all we love about books and reading, and we hope there will be many bids for these wonderful items.”
Book Week Scotland is a national celebration of books and reading, and this is its sixth year. Working with a wide range of partners, Scottish Book Trust will deliver a huge range of events and activities across the country during Book Week Scotland, all linked to this year’s theme of Nourish.
Central to the week is the events programme which includes hundreds of diverse opportunities for all ages and interests, linking to different strands of the Nourish theme. Among those taking part this year are Val McDermid, Bernard MacLaverty, Christopher Brookmyre, Denise Mina and Judy Murray.
Also for the first time, Book Week Scotland will include a Virtual Festival, a selection of online events that can be enjoyed and accessed by all via Scottish Book Trust’s social media channels.
Book Week Scotland was initiated by the Scottish Government and is supported by £200,000 from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland Targeted Funding, and £24,000 from SLIC.
While the online auction will raise funds for Scottish Book Trust’s diverse programmes across the country, there are other opportunities to support the charity. During Book Week Scotland schools, companies and communities across the country will be encouraged to hold a fundraising book sale or swish, in aid of Scottish Book Trust. A free fundraising toolkit with top tips on holding a book sale is available here
Runners in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a new running track at the On-X Sports Centre in Linwood after a contract was approved by councillors.
READ MOREACCORD Hospice is pleased to announce the return of its annual art exhibition to The Art Department in Paisley between the 26th of April and 10th May.
READ MORENow in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MOREDuring the Easter holidays, hundreds of kids across Renfrewshire have enjoyed free school holiday activity camps.
READ MORELatest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.
READ MOREThis year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.
READ MOREThe Paisley 10k and Fun Run will see thousands taking to the streets when the event returns to the town on Sunday 18th August, 2024.
READ MOREEnvironmentally conscious individuals are being asked to volunteer for a new community taskforce to help protect Renfrewshire's rich riverbank habitats.
READ MOREPaisley's Spring Farmyard Trail is coming to Paisley town centre from Friday the 29th of March until Monday 15th of April.
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREGP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.
READ MORERenfrewshire has honoured local groups and volunteers for their work in the community at the Provost's Community Awards.
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREPaisley's Learning and Cultural Hub has won a national award. The new home for Paisley Central Library won the physical category at the EDGE Awards.
READ MOREThe Easter weekend is going to be eggs-tra special at Cardwell Garden Centre this year.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREA host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MOREGroups connected with the refurbishment of Paisley Museum are celebrating today after picking up an honour at the Smiley Charity Film Awards in London.
READ MORESpring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!
READ MOREDozens of people gathered together for a song and a chat at a Saturday Get-Together event in the Methodist Central Hall, Paisley.
READ MOREFull cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!
READ MOREThe refurbishment of Paisley Museum has won a prestigious international award, recognising the significant role the project is playing in the town and wider region’s cultural regeneration.
READ MOREDobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.
READ MOREA sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"