Book Week: Wishart donates ‘New Scots’ refugee book to library
Shetland MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat Beatrice Wishart celebrated Book Week Scotland 2025 by donating a copy of the Scottish Refugee Council’s ‘New Scots’ book to Shetland library.
Ms Wishart met with representatives of the Scottish Refugee Council (SRC) during a visit to a pop-up stall in the Scottish Parliament last week. Marking SRC’s 40th anniversary the organisation has created a book of portraits celebrating people who have rebuilt their lives in Scotland.
Book Week Scotland 2025 is an annual national celebration of books and reading where Shetland Library held events throughout last week (17th -23rd November 2025).
Beatrice commented:
“With damaging rhetoric circulating about refugees coming to the UK it is important that we remember there are many people who fled to this country for safety, re-built their lives here, and contribute positively to communities. ‘New Scots’ is a beautifully designed and uplifting book that is well worth looking at. For many years to come, I hope that lots of readers will pick it up from the library.
“Reading for pleasure is on the decline and yet it allows anyone to transport to a different place or learn something new. Young people will be more inclined to read if they see their parents picking up a book or reading one to them. We are lucky to have a great library service in Shetland and its free to sign up for a lifetime of enjoyment.”