fBdrsilhlibafngthladndtherdndshcdasdthndejwkflight on old tales
FROM kelpies and bogles to battling giants and sleeping dragons, few countries in the world can match Scotland for entertaining folk tales.
Except, perhaps, China, where the monkey king vies with the nine-tailed fox in the panoply of mythical creatures lodged in the nation’s consciousness.
Now, these two cultures clash in an illuminating new festival at Edinburgh Zoo, which features hundreds of gigantic lanterns inspired by the fantastical beasts from Scottish and Chinese folklore.
The Giant Lanterns of China festival has returned for its second year, with a theme inspired by Scots storytelling, the cultural heritage of Sichuan – where the zoo’s giant pandas were born – and the wildlife conservation work of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).
Spread across a spectacular one mile loop are more than 450 beautifully handmade lanterns, ranging from tropical bird-sized to Nessie and a giant dragon, all crafted by 200 Chinese artists.
The colourful spectacle is achieved with 50,000 metres of fabric and 80,000 LED lights. Scottish mythology – including water horses, unicorns, nuckelavee, cat sith, fairies and Nessie – is brought to life. From China, you’ll be introduced to the mystical winged tiger, nine-coloured deer and the green dragon.
There’s also a serious theme – raising the plight of endangered animals. You’ll find giant depictions of animals under threat – and those which didn’t make it, including mammoths, sabre-toothed tigers and the Tasmanian tiger.
Barbara Smith, chief executive at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, said: ‘The event is a chance for us to illuminate the critical conservation work of RZSS to protect endangered animals and the real risk of them becoming myths and legends.’
Tickets are priced from £9.50 for children and £18 for adults. Tickets at