Bairns at Monymusk skweel scrieve an publish buik

Pupils at an Aberdeenshire primary school have written and published a book in the Doric dialect.

The P1-3 pupils at Monymusk Primary School held a launch event this week – complete with red carpet - for their book ‘Jock’s Daunder Roon Monymusk’.

They were joined by proud parents, local councillors, the Provost of Aberdeenshire, Judy Whyte, Sir Archie & Lady Fiona Grant of Monymusk and Lady Aberdeen.
Jock the Giant O’Bennachie is a local legend who comes down from Bennachie to visit the village. 

The book, which was written and illustrated by the children, allows readers to join Jock the Giant as he goes around Monymusk on an adventure through the letters of the alphabet. 

Headteacher at the school Jill Moir said: “Throughout this year the pupils have been working hard on writing the book in the Doric dialect and we are delighted that it is now in print for the world to see.

“The importance of keeping Doric alive, along with a sound knowledge and understanding of our local heritage and culture is not just part of learning and teaching here at Monymusk School, it is embedded in the hearts of us all.

“We believe that we can ‘haud it chappin’ – to help everyone develop a passion for the language and ensure that it lives on in the next generation.”

At Monymusk School, Jock the Giant is a key figure in pupil’s learning – from P1 making soup for Jock and going on an alphabet walk round the village, through to P7 where the children have this session, written, scripted and performed the play of Jock’s First Christmas.

The new book features a glossary at the back to help readers of all levels of Doric access the story and an audio version of the story is also available in both English and Doric which has been read by the children.  

The book is published by Loupin Puddock, an imprint of Doric Books.