Queen Camilla has joined her husband in Scotland following Buckingham Palace's announcement.
Camilla officially opened the newly rebuilt Ratho Library in Scotland, marking the launch of the Edinburgh International Book Festival's Paper Trails initiative. The five-year programme aims to bring literature directly into local communities across Edinburgh.
Her Majesty's visit to the facility highlighted its significance as a community hub, particularly after the previous library failed to reopen following COVID-19.
The Paper Trails project, supported by author Sir Ian Rankin, will operate across five libraries, including Ratho, with innovative programmes designed to engage local residents.
Queen Camilla joins King in Scotland following Buckingham Palace announcement.
PA
The initiative includes partnerships with mobile library services to deliver authors and artists to care homes.
The community had relied on weekly mobile library visits from late 2022 until February this year, when the rebuilt facility finally opened its doors. During this period, regular library activities continued at Ratho Community Centre.
The Queen met representatives from the mobile library service that had sustained the community throughout the renovations. The facility now serves as a vital resource for residents of all ages, hosting community groups and events throughout the year.
King Charles and Queen Camilla's presence in Scotland follows Buckingham Palace's announcement that the Royal Train will be decommissioned by 2027 as a cost-saving measure. Queen Camilla joined King Charles for a scheduled week in Scotland after the Palace revealed the decision.
Queen Camilla looked beautiful in a polka-dot dress.
PA
Ratho Primary School classes regularly visit the library, which shares its building with an early years centre.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival, scheduled to run from August 9 to 24, 2025, partnered with Edinburgh City Libraries to establish the Paper Trails programme.
During her visit, Queen Camilla met members of the Citizen Collective Young People's Writers Programme and was joined by authors Jenny Colgan and Paula Hawkins.
She was introduced to volunteers from the Royal Voluntary Service's Home Library initiative, Housebound, which has delivered books to residents unable to access libraries for more than six decades.
Queen Camilla opened the newly rebuilt Ratho Library in Scotland.
PA
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Queen Camilla met members of the Citizen Collective Young People's Writers Programme.
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The engagement concluded with a young writer reading a poem, followed by Her Majesty cutting a cake to mark the library's official opening.
The Book Festival charity, established in 1983, has evolved into a global creative gathering whilst maintaining year-round partnerships with schools, prisons, hospitals and community hubs across Edinburgh.
The Paper Trails partnership encompasses Muirhouse Library, Ratho Hub Library, Liberton High School Library, Streetreads, and the Mobile Library. Working alongside Edinburgh Libraries staff and community members, the Book Festival has co-created tailored programmes addressing specific local needs.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival streams hundreds of events online annually, ensuring those unable to attend in person can participate in its literary offerings.
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