Organisers of the Pushkin Prize for writing by children have received pound;2,000 to allow the young Scottish and Russian winners to spend a week at the Moniack Mhor centre for creative writing near Inverness, developing their interest and skills in writing and building friendships between the two countries.

West Dunbartonshire libraries have received pound;500 towards a two-week literary festival this month, with readings from invited authors, workshops and a writing competition.

Perth and Kinross Council has received pound;2,950 for a week-long series of events with authors in September, including an authors’ tour to the more remote schools in the area.

Dundee and Area Children’s Book Group has been awarded pound;600 for a day of children’s book events in September, including workshops and talks with children’s author Jacqueline Wilson, illustrator Frank Rogers and storyteller Barbara McDermitt.

The West of Scotland Children’s Book Group has been granted pound;1,000 to support activities throughout the year, and Words Inc has been awarded pound;2,000 towards the Cromarty Book Festival in March 2003, which includes workshops from leading writers of drama, travel, Gaelic and children’s writing.

In addition to supporting literary festivals, the SAC has made grants of pound;900 to pound;3,500 to 12 storytelling projects aimed at preserving handed-down stories and developing the storytelling tradition among children.

www.scottisharts.org.uk