A blind dog has become more than just a four-legged friend to a group of Moray youngsters, by boosting their reading skills during weekly story sessions.
Golden retriever Brodie listens patiently while Speyside High School pupils practice reading aloud to her.
The pioneering project was launched in September and the scheme has proven so successful that the school has decided to continue it into next year.
Headteacher, Patricia Goodbrand, said that the five participating pupils’ growing prowess at reading had increased their confidence outside the classroom.
Mrs Goodbrand said: “We decided to continue the programme because the pupils have given really positive feedback.
“Their confidence and fluency with reading has improved drastically.
“And they are also becoming more adept in their abilities to interact socially, so it is having some wider benefits.”
Every Thursday, hordes of children gather at the school’s foyer to greet Brodie as the 12-year-old retriever arrives with her owner.
Mrs Goodbrand said: “She is a very popular character, the front of the school tends to be busier than it normally is when Brodie arrives.
“Anybody who meets her in the morning always has a big smile on their face.”
Speyside High School is the first secondary in Scotland to roll out the Reading With Dogs programme.
Support for learning teacher, Deidre Christenson-Main, said: “It can be daunting reading aloud to an adult, as children can feel they are being judged if they need to take their time.”
Brodie has worked as a “therapet” for years, visiting hospitals and care homes.
But, after losing her sight over the past 18 months, she has scaled back her activities.
The books the children have read to her range from fairy tales to footballing biographies.
One S2 boy said: “When you’re reading to Brodie, no one can interrupt you, and I didn’t feel like I was under pressure reading.”
Mrs Goodbrand added that the Aberlour school is now keen to enlist the help of Brodie and some other dogs to relieve exam stress as well.
She explained that the canines’ soothing presence would be able to help relax children who are going through tense times ahead of tests.
