Queen Camilla turns the page on new chapter at Ratho Library

Queen Camilla was all smiles as she touched down in Scotland to join King Charles, taking centre stage to officially open the newly rebuilt Ratho Library near Edinburgh.

Her Majesty marked the occasion by launching the Paper Trails initiative a 5 year programme from the Edinburgh International Book Festival designed to bring the joy of literature directly into local communities across the capital.

Celebrating the partnership between the Book Festival and Edinburgh City Libraries, Camilla warmly greeted staff and well wishers at the event, clearly in her element surrounded by books and book lovers alike.

Until the new space opened its doors in February, locals had relied on weekly mobile library visits since late 2022, with regular activities temporarily held at the nearby Ratho Community Centre.

One of the initiative’s standout features is its partnership with mobile library services, which will deliver authors and artists directly to care homes and underserved areas, ensuring no reader is left behind.

During her visit, Queen Camilla met with members of the mobile library team who kept the literary flame alive during the lengthy rebuild. 

She praised their dedication and the community’s commitment to maintaining access to books, learning, and connection.

The Queen was introduced to volunteers from the Royal Voluntary Service’s long-running Housebound Home Library initiative, which has delivered books to readers unable to access libraries for over 60 years. 

The engagement ended on a celebratory note with a young poet reading their work before Her Majesty cut a cake to officially open the library.

Set to run from August 9 to 24, 2025, the Edinburgh International Book Festival continues to expand its reach far beyond its August event. 

Since its founding in 1983, the charity has evolved into a year round force for creativity, working with schools, hospitals, prisons, and community hubs to foster a love of reading.