Doric children's book launched at Macduff aquarium 25th anniversary family event
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A new Doric children's book that has helped celebrate Macduff Marine Aquarium's 25th anniversary was launched at the visitor attraction over the weekend.
Aberdeenshire publisher Doric Books has released Cedric e Flapper Skate as part of the milestone year.
It is written by Jackie Ross and illustrated by artist Jodie Bews, and tells the real story of Cedric, a flapper skate which lived at the aquarium after being rescued by the Orkney Skate Trust.
The book, which aims to educate people about marine animals, as well as promote the north-east dialect and culture, was launched at the aquarium’s Silver Spray 25th anniversary special family fun weekend.
One of a number of events held at the aquarium throughout the year to celebrate the leading tourist attraction’s anniversary, it had a full programme of activities for families to enjoy.
Storytelling sessions and book signings with Jackie Ross took place, with the Saturday sessions including live interpretation in British Sign Language.
In addition, there were 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, supported the range of activities on offer.
In the week leading up to the launch event, Jackie, a professional storyteller, visited 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 were on display at the aquarium during the launch weekend.
Discussing the book, 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."
The aquarium’s learning officer Marie Dare said: “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.”
Visit www.macduff-aquarium.org.uk to find out more about the aquarium and www.doricbooks.com for more about Doric Books.
