Rankin in tune with lyrics

A MONTH-long celebration of song lyrics and why they matter to people was launched today.

Campaign ambassador and author, Ian Rankin, joined director of Edinburgh Unesco City of Literature Trust, Ali Bowden, and 99 Red Balloons - after the famous song-lyric - to celebrate the launch of Let's Get Lyrical.

It is the fifth reading campaign created and run by Edinburgh Unesco City of Literature, in partnership with Glasgow Unesco City of Music. The two cities have devised a programme of more than 80 events to encourage people to enjoy and share lyrics and write their own.

Residents will also be asked to share the lyrics they love with thousands of cards and bookmarks being distributed in arts centres, libraries, cafes and schools.