Over 1000 sign open letter

More than 1,100 people have signed an open letter backing Dyslexia Scotland’s Manifesto, calling on Scotland’s main party leaders to commit to meaningful, lasting change for the dyslexic community

The charity’s President, Sir Jackie Stewart, Vice Presidents Audrey Baxter and Dougray Scott, along with high-profile Ambassadors, are among those leading the appeal.

The letter outlines three practical proposals which the charity says would deliver long-term social and economic benefits – improving education and employment outcomes while helping to close Scotland’s poverty and attainment gaps.

The move comes at a time when additional support needs in Scottish schools are at a record high. The Manifesto highlights the link between unsupported dyslexia and literacy difficulties, which can contribute to early school dropout, reduced employability and the disproportionate representation of people with dyslexia in the prison population.

The charity proposes three key solutions: a national school leavers passport; a funded national pathway for adult assessment and mandatory teacher training on dyslexia and neurodivergence.

A total of 1,124 people supported the letter, which is being sent to party leaders this week.

The signatories say: “As supporters working daily with dyslexic individuals, families, educators and employers, we see what’s possible when government, policymakers and the third sector act with urgency and ambition. Scotland has the expertise, the technology and the opportunity – what we need now is political leadership and commitment.”

CEO of Dyslexia Scotland Cathy Magee said: “The vast support for this letter demonstrates the struggle our community faces in education and work and a real need for transformative action – and the effects are felt across society.

“We’re urging politicians to implement our three simple asks – they’re deliverable within a single parliamentary term but will make a lifetime of difference.”