If you go down to the loch today...

Children were in for a nice surprise when they went to an interactive Gaelic storytelling session at Kilmardinny Loch in Bearsden last week.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Aug 2016, 10:40 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 20:03 BST
Interactive storytelling at the Gruffalo carving, Kilmardinny Loch, Bearsden.Interactive storytelling at the Gruffalo carving, Kilmardinny Loch, Bearsden.
Interactive storytelling at the Gruffalo carving, Kilmardinny Loch, Bearsden.

The event which was based around the Gruffalo stories by Julia Donaldson, who lived in Bearsden for many years, was for children aged two to six years old and their families.

They all met up at the popular 14ft wooden Gruffalo carving by acclaimed Scottish chainsaw sculptor Iain Chalmers.

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The sculpture took four days to complete and is carved from a 200 year old beech tree.

Interactive storytelling at the Gruffalo carving, Kilmardinny Loch, Bearsden.Interactive storytelling at the Gruffalo carving, Kilmardinny Loch, Bearsden.
Interactive storytelling at the Gruffalo carving, Kilmardinny Loch, Bearsden.

The Gruffalo, a friendly monster, is the main character in Julia Donaldson’s popular series of children’s books.

The books, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, tell the story of a mouse, the protagonist of the book, taking a walk in a forest.

The book has sold over 13 million copies, has won several prizes for children’s literature, and has been developed into plays on both the West End and Broadway.

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The event was funded through EDLC’s Gaelic in the Community Project by Bord na Gaidhlig.

Interactive storytelling at Kilmardinny Loch, Bearsden.Interactive storytelling at Kilmardinny Loch, Bearsden.
Interactive storytelling at Kilmardinny Loch, Bearsden.

Gaelic tutor Eilidh read the story next to the Gruffalo carving, and children made Grufalo masks.

One family even brought Gruffalo crumble to share around!

The families also went on a picnic and walk round Kilmardinny Loch afterwards (not as part of the event).

Gaelic Bookbug Sessions, Chatterbooks and community arts have been running in libraries and community venues since the launch of their project in October.

The last Gaelic event in the series will be Boat making and Stories from the Sea in the Barony Chambers (Auld Kirk Museum, Kirkintilloch) on Friday, August 19.

Related topics:Bearsden