Winning is not enough

The title is that of Sir Jackie Stewart's celebrated autobiography which , inter alia, charts his struggle with dyslexia. I have blipped Jackie before in that context because it has been a great privilige to work with him and the organisation of which he's is President, Dyslexia Scotland, to take forward a number of ideas and projects.

Tonight the First Minister hosted a reception at Edinburgh Castle for Dyslexia Scotland. , its members, volunteers and clients, along with Sir Jackie and announced a new grant for the coming year of £100,000 which doubles previous annual Scottish Government support.

Jackie also spoke movingly and entertainingly about the key issues and about what still needed to be done to make a real difference including in teacher education.

At the back of the Great Hall there were two paintings on display - one by Dame Elizabeth Blackadder which was the First Minister's Chirstmas Card last year and which will be auctioned for charity with some of the proceeds going to Dyslexia Scotland and this work by well known Scottish landscape artist Jonathan Mitchell of Jackie racing in a 1969 Matra Ford at the Nurburgring.

Angus Dyslexia supporter Robin Jeffrey has worked with Jonathan to ensure that the painting will be used by Dyslexia Scotland as publicity for the organisation and to raise funds - a process that will include the sale of prints signed by the artist and Jackie.