Mauchline Primary School pupils have been exploring the Scots language recently, thanks to a charity's special project.

Pupils at the school took part in a special event with Ballochmyle councillor Claire Leitch, exploring Scots as part of leading equality charity Nil by Mouth’s ‘Neeps and Tatties’ project.

The project uses the language to explore religious and cultural differences between people.

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Written entirely in Scots, and created by author Carey Morning and illustrator Anna York, ‘Neeps & Tatties’ tells the story of two warring vegetable tribes who are finally encouraged to put the past behind them in the interests of a better future. 

The book examines issues such as discrimination and prejudice and includes a series of classroom games and activities based around the story that explore different cultures, including looking at the significance of food and festivals in different traditions.

Since being launched in January 2021 the book has been used in over 1,000 schools right across Scotland and during January the charity brings together a range of public figures and Scots artists to bring the book to life in classrooms.

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Cllr Leitch also secured the charity’s support for other schools in East Ayrshire with a pledge to make copies available to staff across all 40 primary schools in time for St Andrew Day 2024.

She said: "It’s always lovely to visit schools in my ward this time of year as they learn more about Scotland’s rich history and language.

"I’m a Scottish history and culture geek and it was braw hearing all the various Scots words the weans knew and have a chance to hear about what they had been finding out about our country in the lead up to Burns Night.

"This is a bonnie wee book with such a powerful message that difference is nothing to be scared off.

"I’m pleased that the charity have agreed to send copies of the book to every school in East Ayrshire later this year as this is a message we should be sharing widely with our young people."

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Nil by Mouth Director Dave Scott added: "This was a really brilliant event and Claire had a such a warm and engaging style that the children were having such a good time whilst still learning so much about the language and the wider themes contained within the book.

"We have made a digital version of the book available on our website so all schools can freely access it to download on tablets etc and families can use it at home.

"Teachers repeatedly tell us that ‘Neeps & Tatties’ provides a gentle way of approaching some difficult issues and having local leaders like Claire come along to bring the story to life is a huge bonus for our campaign, to create a Scotland that is bigger, better and bolder than bigotry."