Big DoG Schools Tour 2024
We took Big DoG on the road again this November, bringing authors and storytellers to 1700 children in 38 schools across Dumfries and Galloway.
About the tour
We deliver sessions to schools across the region, from Gretna to Stranraer. In 2024 we welcomed Renita Boyle, Alastair Chisholm, Ross Mackenzie and Chae Strathie, offering sessions from Nursery to Primary 7.
Our Mission
According to research from the Department of Education, reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success – more than their family circumstances, their parents’ educational background or their income.
According to another report from the UK Social Mobility Commission, one in four primary pupils in Dumfries and Galloway are below the national average of expected reading and writing levels. With our education tour, we hope to help fill this gap by sharing the power of story and inspiring the next generation of readers.
Books are for everyone.
The Schools Tour is especially important in a wide-reaching region with low social mobility. Due to distance and monetary constraints, many children are unable to attend our festival events. The Schools Tour brings book festival events to their doorstep.
Be the first to hear when applications open each year by signing up to our education mailing list below.
The 2023 Big DoG Schools Tour is supported by the Cairndale Hotel and Craigmount B&B.
If you are a business owner and would be interested in sponsoring the Big DoG Schools' Tour, please contact Amy Johnston Stewart at sponsorship@wigtownbookfestival.com