Lovely gardens and woodland walk, we enjoyed the old mill, spotting the fairy houses, the lady here was really friendly & helpful' I’ve got three books – The Singing Mermaid, Superworm and The Paper Dolls – which are out or just about to be published and I’m getting ready to celebrate my ruby wedding anniversary with Malcolm, who has just retired. She said: “I usually narrate and play the mouse at live shows. But, even though I’m Scottish by blood, I

I hadn’t but she had planted the seed and I went home and started scribbling, trying to get the rhymes to work. It was far too difficult so I abandoned it.” I’m just surprised it has taken such a long time for The Gruffalo to make it into Scots. It’s long overdue.” James, from Angus, who has translated numerous kids’ books into Scots, including Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox, admits giving the Gruffalo a Caledonian voice was not without its challenges. This is an unbelievable place. Absolutely beautiful and breathtaking scenery around every bend. The best value for money attraction I've ever been to. Wish I lived closer as I'd be there every day if I could be! Saw red squirrels and tree creepers amongst others. The gardening team were friendly and cheerful. I cannot recommend this garden enough! For nature lovers, ornithologists and gardeners this is a must see location. Highly recommend In the event, James Robertson and Catriona Lexy Campbell share their favourite words in Scots and Gaelic and also explain why they like them. Children in the audience also share their favourite words. Resources to accompany the Scots versions of Julia Donaldson’s classic children’s book The Gruffalo. There are six Scots translations of The Gruffalo available which these activities support:Finally, if you are in Glasgow, Kilmardinny Loch in Bearsden has its own Gruffalo trail which sounds fantastic and is free. I can’t wait to take our two little Gruffalo fanatics. It’s important for children to see the words they hear all around them written down in books so they can value their language.

Languages spoken by the fearsome beast include Hebrew, Arabic, Latin and even Gaelic – but the Scots tongue has so far alluded him. There is vocabulary support for Shetland, Orkney and for Doric. These materials were used when Education Scotland and Into Film held Scots Language Through Film events in these areas. The bestselling children’s book, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, has sold more than 10.5million copies worldwide. Absolutely loved this walk, we both enjoy nature the information at various stages is very helpful it was wet when we started but it cleared as we walked around. The fairy grounds were wonderful sure visiting children would love it, a great way to get them interested in nature, I'm in my sixties and still believe in fairies. A beautiful walk definitely recommend'.

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I was at a book festival five years ago and bumped into Julia, who asked me had I ever thought of doing The Gruffalo in Scots. When it comes to accommodation in Scotland, there's a fantastic choice of amazing stays from luxury hotels to glamping getaways.

The book charts the journey of a mouse through the woods as it encounters a variety of creatures before duping them all to stay safe with the unwitting help of The Gruffalo. Using Scots in the classroom with learners in Early Years settings and Primary schools can enhance children’s experiences of choosing poems and stories and discovering the relevance of texts to their own lives. When children are beginning to develop tools for reading, Scots can help them explore sounds and words and develop reading strategies to aid with understanding. James’s version of my story is a gem – who could resist The Gruffalo’s ‘clooky taes’ or the ‘pizenous plook’ on his neb?

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Give each pupil a piece of paper. Ask them to write their favourite Scots and/or Gaelic word on it, as well as the meaning and why it is important to them. Go around the class and ask each pupil to say their word and why it is important. These favourite words can be collected onto a word wall. For a range of activities you can use to introduce pupils to Scots, take a look at our learning resource on using Scots in the classroom (this link will open in a new window). Education Scotland also have excellent resources specifically on The Gruffalo in Scots (this link will open in a new window). Julia, who will embark upon a nationwide library tour in autumn, says she is nervous about playing the Scots “moose” at the festival. Amazing place for a day out! Themed walks for children, and longer, scenic ones for the more adventurous! Stunning views, the tallest of trees and a beautifully kept woodland paradise to explore. The PERFECT day out.

What a hidden gem this place is and not expensive, we enjoyed our visit a good way to spend a couple of hours. I was particularly impressed by the amazing trees they have there and we got to see some red squirrels. Would certainly visit againWe know time is tight, so here is just one activity you could do before or after watching this event. There is a Gruffalo walk in Culloden, just outside Inverness, the carvings and statues look beautiful. We definitely need to do a Highlands holiday in the near future and when we do. It is free to do the walk – hurrah! It’s been a busy but magical year so far and performing The Gruffalo in Scots at the book festival will be one of the highlights.”