Funding from the Scottish Book Trust has once again helped Forth Valley College celebrate Book Week Scotland 2025 (17-23 November).
On Thursday 20 November professional author, screenwriter and former FVC staff member, Katie White returned to the Falkirk Campus - after her popular appearance last year - to focus on ‘Scottish Stories’.
Nuala Scott, FVC Learning Skills and Resource Assistant, who has been heavily involved in organising Book Week Scotland events at the College, said: “Our Book Week Scotland event in Falkirk was attended by nearly 40 staff and students. The theme was ‘Oor Stories’ of COVID19. The group shared their individual experiences of this global incident, and responses were memorable, funny, heartfelt and everyone contributed enthusiastically.
“We now hope to pull together all the responses and place them into an anthology of the day's discussion.”
On Friday 21 November in the Stirling Campus Kildean Suite renowned professional comic book artist Tom Foster delivered an interactive talk from 2pm-3pm.
Currently drawing for 2000AD and The Judge Dredd Megazine, Tom is an accomplished and recognised artist within his field. During the session, he gave a presentation, demonstrated his drawing and provided the opportunity for students to develop their own creative skills. Tom also took a question and answer session at the end of the workshop and students and staff were encouraged to come along and unleash their creativity and imagination!
Tom will also be will also be delivering in class activities for two course groups at the Alloa Campus On Monday 24 November as part of Book Week Scotland.
David Gentles, Learner Development Worker from FVC’s Department of Inclusion and Student Services, said: “We were thrilled to have Tom Foster, a professional at on the Stirling Campus with his detailed talk on the basics of comic design, showcasing his skill and drawing techniques and sharing these with the students.
“He engaged the students in an activity where they created their own mini comic book designs from a script. He also provided a valuable insight into his journey to becoming a comic book artist and highlighted that through determination and hard work you can have a rewarding and fulfilling career doing what you are passionate about.”
Lisa MacLaren, FVC Learning Services Manager, said: “We are delighted how well sessions have gone this week. We have been very lucky to once again have gained funding from the Scottish Book Trust to support our Book Week Scotland events, giving our students the opportunity to attend talks and workshops with such talented authors and artiists gaining new skills and experiences. Feedback has been fantastic from both staff and students who attended all sessions and as a team we love being able organise Book Week Scotland events and see the engagement and enthusiasm from everyone in attendance.”
