SCHOOLS in Dumbarton and the Vale are being urged to apply for funding to help revamp their libraries.

The Scottish Library Improvement Fund (SLIF) is administered by the Scottish Government and is open to all state-run schools in Scotland.

The cash aims to aid children in their learning in priority areas identified by the government, including digital learning, health and wellbeing and the curriculum.

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A total of £1 million was pledged to the fund at its launch in 2017, with around £550,000 having been dished out to date.

Applications opened yesterday (Monday, August 26), and educators have until Monday, September 30 to apply for a share of the pot.

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Deputy First Minister and Education Secretary John Swinney said: “School libraries have a vital part to play in supporting literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing and improving attainment across the curriculum. Our investment of £1 million in the School Library Improvement Fund helps strengthen this role.

“Over the last two years we have seen schools receive funding for a wide range of exciting and innovative initiatives. These projects are helping make school libraries inspirational and engaging places for our children and young people.”