Scots language book telling pupils about overcoming discrimination

Scots language is being used to teach children during lockdown about overcoming prejudice and discrimination.

A book called Neeps And Tatties has been launched by anti-sectarian charity Nil by Mouth, with copies free to download.

Copies have also been given to more than 200 primary schools across Scotland, including around a dozen in Tayside and Fife, among them Craigiebarns, Birkhill and Glebelands in Dundee.

Angus-based Scots language campaigner and broadcaster Ally Heather described the story as a “tale weel wor th the telling”, as it is promoted in the lead up to Burns Night on January 25.

Written by Edinburghbased Carey Morning and illustrated by Anna York, Neeps And Tatties tells of two warring vegetable tribes encouraged to put the past behind them for a better future.

It deals with issues like discrimination and prejudice, highlighting how old grievance can be overcome by a new generation seeking tolerance and change.

The charity says Burns Night is the perfect opportunity for teachers, parents and pupils to share the story and talk about the issues it raises.

Dave Scott, Nil by Mouth direc tor, said: “There has been a huge surge of interest in Scots in the last few years and when Carey offered us her work, we felt there was a real opportunity to tell a powerful story in this rich and beautiful language.”

The Scots Language Centre is providing the book online free of charge during January on its website.

Neeps And Tatties is “a tale weel worth the telling”.