The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Following the trail of our favourite children’s books
A magical new map is bringing Scotland’s rich literary heritage to life and encouraging children of all ages to explore it, discovers Caroline Lindsay
From Peter Rabbit and the Gruffalo to Treasure Island and the Beano, there’s something for children of all ages in VisitScotland’s Storybook Trail. Full of magical tales and places to visit, a new map shows where in Scotland some of our favourite fictional characters have come to life. Featuring a collection of children’s books which have been set in, or inspired by, Scotland, the map includes some favourite classics which have been read and re-read by children for decades, as well as newer stories.
The idea of the trail is to encourage children and families to read the books together as well as get out and explore the beautiful Scottish landscapes which inspired them, so readers can create their very own adventures. Jenni Steele, film and creative industries manager for VisitScotland, explains the inspiration behind the project.
“Writers have been inspired by Scotland for centuries and we wanted to highlight the range of children’s books that also have links to Scotland,” she says.
“Adults are key to this too, as many will have read the books growing up and may want to encourage their own families to read them, or visit the places associated with the stories,” explains Jenni.
“There’s something extremely nostalgic about re-reading childhood books and rediscovering places that hold special memories, especially if you’re sharing the experience with younger members of the family.”
The Gruffalo makes an appearance in the trail, as there is a woodland walk linked to the Scots version of the stories in Argyll; faithful hound Greyfriars Bobby is there – a firm favourite when it comes to tales of old Edinburgh; and Peter Rabbit and friends are included, as Beatrix Potter took inspiration from the Perthshire countryside for her stories. The author spent holidays there with her family when she was a young woman and it was here that she further developed her love for nature and wildlife.
It was from Dunkeld that Beatrix, inspired by her own pet rabbit, first penned a letter to a friend’s child, in which she told the story of a little rabbit’s adventures with other furry friends. There’s a great exhibition and garden where visitors can find out lots more about her tales at Birnam Arts.
The Angus town of Kirriemuir is the birthplace of JM Barrie, the author of Peter Pan. Explore the cottage where the writer grew up and find a statue of Peter Pan in the garden.
Meanwhile, of course, Dundee is home to characters from some of Scotland’s favourite comic strips – including the Beano, the Dandy and Oor Wullie – and an exhibition at the McManus Galleries celebrates the Beano’s 80th birthday.
“These are firm favourites in Scotland and just had to be included in the trail,” smiles Jenni.
“They go back decades and it seemed fitting to include them, as Beano celebrates its 80th birthday this year
– a significant milestone in Scotland’s literary heritage,” she continues.
The trail coincides with the Year of Young People and Jenni reflects on the importance of storytelling for youngsters.
“It’s important for children to develop reading skills and engage with books so as they build a love of books for the future and gain valuable literacy skills for life,” she says. “It also helps them to express themselves and develop creative minds and an appetite for adventure, magic and fun.”
She hopes that visitors of all ages, not just kids, will appreciate the rich literary culture right across Scotland.
The map is available to download at www. visitscotland.com, while hard copies can be obtained at VisitScotland offices and directly from some of the locations on the map.