Palace shares video as Queen launches major community initiative in Edinburgh
Queen Camilla has stepped into the spotlight with a new video shared by the royal family and the Edinburgh International Book Festival, marking the official opening of the newly rebuilt Ratho Library in Scotland.
Her visit coincides with Buckingham Palace’s announcement that the royal train will be decommissioned by 2027 as part of broader cost-saving efforts. Despite the news, the Queen was all smiles as she joined King Charles in Scotland for their annual summer engagements.
The video, released on social media, captured Camilla launching the Paper Trails initiative — a five-year partnership between the Edinburgh International Book Festival and Edinburgh City Libraries aimed at enriching local communities through tailored literary programs.
The caption accompanying the video read:
“Earlier today we were delighted to be joined by Her Majesty The Queen to open the new Ratho Library, and launch our exciting new partnership with Edinburgh City Libraries, Paper Trails.”
The initiative will support five libraries — including Ratho Hub Library, Muirhouse Library, and Liberton High School Library — as well as mobile and outreach services such as Streetreads. The goal is to tackle social isolation, foster creativity, and promote libraries as vital community spaces.
Programmes under Paper Trails will focus on nurturing young writers, intergenerational storytelling, and expanding access to marginalised groups. Queen Camilla’s visit highlighted the library’s rebirth as a cultural and social hub after its closure during the pandemic.
The project is backed by celebrated author Sir Ian Rankin and reflects the Queen’s ongoing advocacy for reading, literacy, and community engagement.
