Book launch event at Macduff Aquarium to put flapper skates in spotlight
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Aberdeenshire based publisher, Doric Books, is set to launch a new children's book written in north east dialect as part of Macduff Marine Aquarium's 25th anniversary celebrations.
Cedric e Flapper Skate, written by Jackie Ross and illustrated by artist Jodie Bews, tells the real story of Cedric, a flapper skate which lived at Macduff Marine Aquarium after being rescued by the Orkney Skate Trust.
The book, which aims to educate people about marine animals, as well as promote the Doric dialect and culture, will be launched at the aquarium's Silver Spray 25th anniversary special family fun weekend on Saturday, September 17 and Sunday 18..
One of a number of events held at the aquarium throughout the year to celebrate the leading tourist attraction's milestone anniversary, the event promises to offer a full programme of activities for families to enjoy.
Storytelling sessions and book signings with the author will take place at 11.30am and 1.30pm daily, with the Saturday sessions including live interpretation in British Sign Language.
In addition, there will be arts and crafts, a flapper skate trail, dolphin spotting, rockpooling, dive shows, feeding sessions, and opportunities to learn about and see the aquarium's wide range of marine creatures up close during interactive learning and touch pool sessions.
Friends of Macduff Marine Aquarium, Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service and NESCAN (North East Climate Action Network), along with Scottish Water, will support the range of activities on offer.
In the week leading up to the launch event, Jackie, a professional storyteller, will visit local primary schools to share the story and engage pupils in activities to encourage the use of Doric and also to highlight the plight of flapper skates, raising awareness of the importance of conservation efforts. Artwork created by the pupils during the sessions will be on display at the aquarium during the launch weekend.
Discussing the book and the forthcoming launch, Jackie said, "Before I wrote Cedric e Flapper Skate, I didn't even know such creatures existed, but I'm really taken with them now.
"I hope Cedric's story will encourage other people to find out more about these critically endangered species, and to gain an understanding of the active role we can play in preserving conservation locally and around the world.
"It's fitting that Cedric's book is being launched during Scotland's Year of Stories, as it is a celebration of our fantastic native fish species, as well as our culture and dialect.
"I'm really looking forward to the launch event in the aquarium's fascinating surroundings, and can't wait to meet flapper skate enthusiasts of all ages."
The aquarium's learning officer Marie Dare added, "Once common in Scottish waters, flapper skate numbers are now worryingly low, with the species one of Scotland's most endangered.
"Flapper skates are charismatic creatures, whilst also being the largest skates in the world, often reaching nearly three metres long.
"Sadly, since inspiring the book, Cedric has passed away, but we hope his legacy will live on and his story will encourage the continued celebration of the species, and help to create an awareness of conservation efforts towards protecting all of Scotland's marine life."
To find out more about the book and the launch event, as well as to pre-register for some of the activities on offer, visit www.macduff-aquarium.org.uk or www.doricbooks.com for details.
