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.” Scots Hoose’s ‘Movin aboot’ section, full of fun activities for children that involve responding to instructions given in Scots. ‘Heid, Shooders, Knaps and Taes’ is a firm favourite. 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.

IT has been translated into 42 languages but now, for the first time, Scotland’s most famous monster, The Gruffalo, will speak Scots. Languages spoken by the fearsome beast include Hebrew, Arabic, Latin and even Gaelic – but the Scots tongue has so far alluded him. 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. Discover wonderful wildlife tours to book and experience in Scotland, including bird watching safaris, whale watching, farm tours and much more!

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When it comes to accommodation in Scotland, there's a fantastic choice of amazing stays from luxury hotels to glamping getaways. Thank you for a wonderful day out, a beautiful setting for a wonderful story, the kids loved the fairy trail we will recommend'. 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.

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! Kids being able to read such a famous and well-loved book as The Gruffalo in Scots is invaluable to the preservation of the Scots language.” As an extension activity, each week pupils can find and share a new Scots or Gaelic word with the class and the wall can be updated on a regular basis to celebrate these new words.James’s version of my story is a gem – who could resist The Gruffalo’s ‘clooky taes’ or the ‘pizenous plook’ on his neb?

Children’s laureate Julia, 63, said: “I’m thrilled that there is now a Scots version of The Gruffalo to add to the other 42 or so translations. 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 The bestselling children’s book, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, has sold more than 10.5million copies worldwide.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. In 2019 we marked the 20th anniversary of The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson with a very special Authors Live broadcast during Book Week Scotland. James Robertson reads his Scots translation of The Gruffalo, and Catriona Lexy Campbell brings the Gaelic translation, An Gruffalo, to life. We also hear from lots of pupils all around the country who share their favourite Scots and Gaelic words! Lovely gardens and woodland walk, we enjoyed the old mill, spotting the fairy houses, the lady here was really friendly & helpful' 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). 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.