FORMER first minister Nicola Sturgeon’s favourite book has been removed from the Higher English reading list.
The decision follows the Scottish Qualifications Authority's survey, which gathered more than 2500 responses from teachers and learners.
From March to May 2024, teachers and learners had the opportunity to give their opinions about the texts studied in National 5 and Higher English.
The list of books to be replaced includes Sunset Song by Lewis Grassic Gibbon, Sturgeon's favourite book, and Scotland's Favourite Novel in 2016.
In 2020, Sturgeon wrote the introduction of the new hardback edition.
She then declared that Sunset Song is “without a shadow of doubt" her favourite book.
“My conclusion is that the love I feel for Sunset Song is not just an appreciation of its considerable literary quality; it is as much, maybe more so, a reflection of the profound impact it had on me at a formative time of my life.
"In no small way, I owe my love of literature to Sunset Song," said Sturgeon.
According to the survey, Sunset Song is the least popular of all the higher texts. More than 60% of teachers and students surveyed think it should be replaced.
“Our data also confirmed that schools and colleges are moving away from Sunset Song; fewer than 60 learners responded to the novel in 2024,” said an SQA spokesperson.
They also confirmed that “any texts removed from the list” such as Sunset Song can “be used for critical essay in National 5 or Higher English courses”.
“Teachers should be assured though that any texts removed from the list – including Sunset Song – can still be used for Critical Essay in National 5 or Higher English courses.’
Indeed, Burns was removed as a separate author following the survey.
Due to his cultural significance and value, the SQA decided to retain some of his poetry in two new poetry anthologies in National 5 and Higher English.
The Scottish text list in Higher English will be updated to include more diversity in the programme.
Overall, the survey highlighted the desire for more modern and diverse texts relevant to the students' challenges and issues.
Learners also suggested they would like more contemporary Scottish writers, texts about other cultures and today’s society, current events, modern poets, and more short plays.
