AN award-winning poet and performer is leaving a lasting legacy on the literary scene in Inverclyde back where her career began.

Central Library's former young people's librarian, Katharine Macfarlane, spent time with the service as writer-in-residence for the Inverclyde Cultural Collective project, which proved a great success.

And she was back on her old stomping ground again recently as she led the library's first ever 'Open Book' session.

The new initiative sees the library join with others all over the country in giving people a chance to enjoy informal reading and story-telling sessions together.

Katharine, who shared a platform with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during Book Week, said: "Shared reading is a wonderfully relaxed way of joining an informal group at the library.

"There’s no need to book or read anything in advance - you just pop in, listen to a story and enjoy a cuppa and a chat.

"There’s a new short story each time so you can come each month or just pop in when you can.

"It’s wonderful to see Inverclyde joining the Open Book network."

During her successful spell as writer in Inverclyde, which came to an end last summer, Katharine set up a whole host of creative events.

The poet established an open mic session with Rig Arts where artists could perform - and it is still going strong.

She also set up creative writing groups that are continuing.

During her residency she looked at local historical events like the Radical War, to encourage new writing about it, and also explored contemporary topics like climate change.

Katharine led regular poetry and walking sessions too and was involved in creating the community garden which has opened at South West Library

She was the young persons librarian in Inverclyde for a number of years before moving on to fulfil her dream of writing and performing poetry.

Two years ago she was crowned the Scottish Slam Poetry Championship.