Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
CREATIVE RUBY IS A LITTLE GEM
Woodland treasure hunt is a huge hit
A creative Coatbridge schoolgirl has sprinkled magic dust on her community to put a smile on people’s faces during lockdown.
Ruby Cunningham came up with the fantastic idea to design her own fun treasure hunt for children and families to test their brain power while having a great time.
The imaginative Kirkshaws youngster created Ruby’s Treasure Trail to bring some cheer to local residents when they go out to enjoy their woodland walks in the area.
Nature-loving Ruby, six, who attends St Timothy’s Primary School in Coatbridge, enlisted the help of mum Laura and her partner Martin O’Neill and big sister Kiera, 17, to design and laminate clever clues.
They were then attached to trees in woodland near the popular Monklands Canal beauty spot.
And over the past few weeks, the local attraction has exploded in popularity, with both youngsters and young at heart adults having a terrific time taking part in the fairy treasure hunt.
Laura told the Advertiser: “Ruby was getting bored with her walks so we sat down one day at home and my partner Martin suggested we should do something.
“We started laminating wee clues and Ruby came up with the idea of calling it Ruby’s Treasure Trail.
“Ruby is kind, loving and thoughtful. She wanted to put a smile on people’s faces and make them happy; that’s all we asked for.
“We have put sweeties, soft toys, fairy doors and clues for the kids to solve.
“A lot of families and kids have also added to it now.”
After Laura posted information and photos on social media, the treasure hunt has since gone viral with many members of the further afield Monklands community eager to visit.
Laura enthused: “It really is fantastic. During lockdown it’s helped a massive amount of people in the community.
“It’s got round by word of mouth. People have been saying, ‘ this is amazing; I suggest you all go down to the trail’.
“We are shocked and overwhelmed by the positive feedback. All of the community have been adding to the trail and someone else has included clues to find insects.”
Thoughtful little Ruby was thrilled when a kind-hearted elderly man recently left a hand-carved fairy door for her with a note which read, “This is for Ruby to take home for cheering up a 68 and a wee bit grandad”.