A book written in Doric by pupils at Riverbank School about a naughty herring gull has won Scots Bairns Book o the Year at the Scots Language Awards.
‘Summer e Magic Scurry’ was written by the Primary 5F class at the Aberdeen school with the book launch held on 28 March 2024.
The book tells the story of a herring gull that does all the things a ‘scurry’ – the Doric word for a gull – usually does, but then, using magic, takes the pupils on an adventure to various places. It includes a facts section, in which the scurry answers questions asked by the children, such as “Why don’t they perch on trees?” and “Do gulls pee?!”
The pupils were able to create their Doric book thanks to Aberdeen City Council’s Creative Fund programme, with support from writer Jackie Ross and illustrator Aaron Gale from Doric Books. The children learned all about gulls from members of the Zoology Department at the University of Aberdeen.
Councillor Martin Greig, the Convener of Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “I am delighted that the hard work and enthusiasm of the Primary 5F pupils at Riverbank School has been recognised with this national award. Working together as a team to create the book was a positive experience for the pupils. The project offered some great opportunities to learn about writing and language. The young people found out more about the animals, the environment and local history.
“I am especially grateful for the amazing support and help given to the young people in this project. The Council’s Creative Fund has clearly been put to good use. The award is richly deserved."
Councillor Jessica Mennie, Vice-Convener, of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “To win first place in the Best Children’s Book category at the Scots Language Awards is fantastic. Many congratulations to all the pupils involved in writing the book and to everyone who supported them.”
Carol Baxter, Depute Head Teacher, Riverbank School, said: “This project was, truly, cross-curricular. From literacy to numeracy – the writing of the story to the costings of things, from art to printing – the illustrating of the book to how the book was put together and published.
“Grace Farquharson, the class teacher, coordinated the project and the whole class participated in all of the activities. Everyone at Riverbank School is so proud of their award-winning achievement.”
Jackie Ross, Co-Director, Doric Books, said: “Doric Books is fair trickit at Summer e Magic Scurry won best bairns’ book. We really enjoyed working with P5F and are so pleased that the class’s hard work has been recognised through this award. It’s a really fun wee book.”
The book is £10 and is currently available to purchase directly from Riverbank School, or online at https://doricbooks.com
and from The Owl at Number Two, 4 Beechgrove Terrace, Rosemount, Aberdeen.
The award for Scots Bairns Book o the Year, is sponsored by the Scottish Government.
The Scots Language Awards event was held in Cumnock Town Hall on Saturday 14 September 2024.