A school in Troon recently hosted a first-of-its-kind book festival.

Marr College held the Marr Cluster Book Festival on June 21 to get young people excited about reading.

The festival was an initiative in collaboration with the South Ayrshire Reads programme, which aims to improve literacy rates in South Ayrshire.

S2 pupils from Marr College and Primary 6 pupils from the Marr Cluster, including Barassie, Dundonald, Muirhead, Struthers, and Troon Primary Schools, attended the jam-packed morning filled with activities.

(Image: South Ayrshire Council)

It included visual merchandising and marketing sessions, illustration workshops, competitions, virtual reality sessions, and a pop-up Waterstones book shop.

Authors Lindsay Littleson and Martin Stewart also held special presentation sessions.

Lindsay is a former primary school teacher who writes books for children aged eight to 12, while Martin, who was previously an English teacher at Kyle Academy in Ayr, writes fiction for children, young adults, and adults.

Hosting such an event will also aid Marr College in its pursuit of the Gold Reading School Accreditation from the Scottish Book Trust.

(Image: South Ayrshire Council)

They previously achieved the Silver accreditation in June 2023.

Marr College is now sharing its expertise as a Reading School with the wider community through engagement with local primary schools.

The Scottish Book Trust is also set to sponsor their Writing Awards.

Lyndsay McRoberts, depute chief executive and director of education, said: “The first ever Marr Cluster Book Festival was a great success.

(Image: South Ayrshire Council)

"Marr College is determined to build upon its credentials as a Reading School and aim for the next milestone – this event was a big step in the right direction.

“The pupils engaged with the activities and competitions, and thoroughly enjoyed the fantastic author presentations.

"I’m sure many will have left with a list of books they’re excited to read."