I'M READING SOMETHING OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE, TO ENCOURAGE SCOTTISH MEN TO READ AND ENJOY ANYTHING WE LIKE.

Sponsor this pretentious literary type to read the full series of 50 Shades books, (often publicly) within the month of February 2017. Update images will be supplied. I will take a quiz on conclusion and publicise the results.

Some serious details below to explain why I'm doing this:

Reading and writing have the power to change lives.

They’re the most important factors in reducing the attainment gap, they improve mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and dementia, and they influence our work, relationships and the economy.

We live in a Scotland where 1 in 5 children are growing up in poverty, children from deprived backgrounds often do not go on to higher education and 35% of the adult population lack the literacy skills expected of an eleven-year-old.

Reading for pleasure is more important to educational achievement and future success than wealth or background. We know that fewer boys and men read for pleasure. And we know that only a quarter of dads under 25 read to their children, compared to over 60% of mums in the same age group.

This is where we need you. Help us turn Scotland into nation of booklovers. The idea is simple. I am an appointed Scottish Book Trust 'Bookfella'. We each have committed to raising £1,000 each and becoming a role model for reading in our families, at work and with friends. The money raised will support Scottish Book Trust’s literacy programmes.