THE PATTER of little feet was felt through the corridors of Glamis Castle yesterday as the Angus landmark hosted a gathering of the area’s youngest bookworms.

Over 400 babies, toddlers and their families gathered at the castle to mark Bookstart in Scotland Day, to mark the launch of a national scheme to give free books to every child up to three years old and encourage library use.

The theme for Bookstart in Scotland Day was Highland Culture and the Glamis event featured pipers, Highland dancers, jugglers, stilt walkers and more for the young participants.

Children and their families sang traditional rhymes and songs, heard stories, visited a library corner and enjoyed a visit from Hamish the Bookstart Bear who arrived by fire engine.

Every child also went home with a Bookstart pack and an illustrated rhyme sheet by Natalie Russell, famed for her work Hamish the Highland Cow who is already a Glamis favourite.

The Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne was brimming with enthusiasm over the Bookstart initiative after opening the doors of her home to the young visitors.

“My family enjoyed the Bookstart day immensely and feel extremely honoured and privileged that it was held at our home,” she said.

“I have been proud to have been part of the planning of an event that brought to life for so many children and their families the joy and importance of stories and rhymes.”

Angus Bookstart co-ordinator Sylvia Main said, “We believe that children are never too young to start loving books.

“Research shows that babies and toddlers who love books begin reading sooner and go on to fare better at school in all areas of the curriculum.

“I am delighted that so many Angus parents and their children have taken this opportunity to join us to celebrate Bookstart in Scotland Day.

“There are a number of activities organised in Angus libraries during the year where babies and toddlers can enjoy songs, rhymes and stories, and these are always very popular and help develop a lifelong love of books and reading,” she added.

Organisers of the nationwide programme said they were delighted to hold the launch at such a prestigious venue.

“Bookstart is all about babies and young children having fun sharing books with their parents,” said Bookstart national development manager Scotland, Caroline McLeod.

“By having really lively, bright and engaging events such as our event here at Glamis, we are providing children with a really positive association with books and reading, something which will give them a head start in life.”

Further details on Bookstart in Angus can be obtained by contacting Sylvia Main, Email mains@angus.gov.uk