Scotland's chief medical officer has called for more action to improve literacy rates.
Sir Harry Burns said more needs to be done to break the link between poverty and poor literacy.
Prior to giving a speech to a conference on the issue organised by Children in Scotland in Clydebank today, Sir Harry said that joined-up action is needed.
He added: "The development of good literacy skills is of vital importance before, during and beyond the school learning experience.
"A lot of good work is currently being done to improve literacy levels; however, even more concerted joined-up action is needed to meet the Government's commitments to raise literacy standards for all and break the link between poverty and poor literacy."
The event, Turning the page: Improving literacy for all, is being run by Children in Scotland in partnership with West Dunbartonshire.
Spokeswoman Jacqueline Cassidy added: "While there have been a number of achievements as a result of the Scottish Government's ongoing Literacy Action Plan, we fully support the call for more to be done to tackle poor literacy skills through opportunities and encouragement at local level."
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