A famous Scottish novel is to be translated into Chinese to mark the 100th anniversary of the Edinburgh author's birth.

A new edition of Muriel Spark's The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie will be published in China to celebrate the centenary year.

The publication will carry a foreword written by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who announced the news at an event at Shanghai's Fudan University.

As well as Muriel Spark's birthday the new book is also being launched to celebrate China's year-long 'Inspiring women in the Arts' campaign.

Addressing an audience of students, academics and publishing professionals, Sturgeon spoke of her love of Muriel Spark, and her work to encourage young people to take up reading through the First Minister's Reading Challenge.

The event, organised by the British Council, was attended by Associate Vice President of Fudan University Chen ZhiMin, Scottish-based authors Claire McFall and Louise Welsh, Chinese author ‎Jing Xing, Director of Shanghai Writers' Association Wang Hong Tu and Creative Scotland's Head of Literature, Languages and Publishing Jenny Niven.

The First Minister said: "I am delighted that Chinese readers will be soon able to enjoy a new edition of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, and as a huge admirer of Muriel Spark's work I am honoured to be given the opportunity to write the foreword.

"This publication highlights the global appeal of Muriel Spark, and underlines her status as one of Scotland's best-loved writers. She has inspired countless female authors to take up writing, and I'm confident she will continue to do so.

"Scotland's creative industries are vital for the economy, and publishing plays an important role in that. The global programme of events being held to mark the 100th anniversary of Muriel Spark can only help to promote the spread and popularity of Scottish authors."

Nick Marchand, the British Council's Director Arts - China and North East Asia, said: "In a year of Inspiring Women in the Arts in China, we're delighted to support Scotland's celebrations of the Centenary Year of Muriel Spark.

"It's thrilling to connect a literary history with contemporary Scottish writers Louise Welsh and Claire McFall - particularly given Claire's cult following in China for Ferryman."

Jenny Niven said:"It is just fantastic that Muriel Spark's centenary is being honoured in China in this way. As a true internationalist herself I'd like to think Muriel would be delighted too that her work is being introduced to new audiences around the world."