Dumfries-based multi-sensory storytelling group The Arts End of Somewhere, with the support of Scottish charity PAMIS (Promoting A More Inclusive Society), are releasing their picture book The Kippford Mermaid at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August. This is a re-telling of a traditional Scottish folktale and tells the passionate story of a drowning sailor rescued by a beautiful mermaid. This tale of love and tragedy has been written and illustrated alongside multi-sensory activities that help the story come to life for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and their families. Created during the Covid 19 lockdown, this book is unique as it has been developed, written and illustrated by a group of people who have additional support needs and learning disabilities to support others who have difficulty accessing literature and Scottish folklore. It will be published by Scottish publisher Curly Tale Books.
Heather Molloy, PAMIS Programme lead for inclusive culture in Dumfries, is delighted to have been able to support the volunteers through funding from the Holywood Trust, Young Scot, Time to Shine, Creative Scotland and the Dumfries Lions Club. ‘The group have worked so hard, especially during lockdown, to create their book and it has been a pleasure to work alongside them as they have brought their creative vision to life and I wish them every success.’
PAMIS is the only charity that solely supports children, young people (CYP) and adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and their families to lead healthy, valued and included lives.
The book will be launched online on the 14th August as part of Edinburgh International Book Festival and will be available via their learning website at https://learning.edbookfest.co.uk/
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to collaborate with the Arts End of Somewhere on The Kippford Mermaid. I am so pleased with how wonderful the book has turned out, from the amazing illustrations to the fun sensory activities, and know it will bring joy to everyone who reads it. Curly Tale Books is proud to confirm that all proceeds from sales of the book will go to pamis to help continue their amazing work.”
Shalla Gray, Director, Curly Tale Books
The book will also be launched in person locally by The Arts End of Somewhere group at The Usual Place on Thursday 26th August at 5pm.
Image Info
Kim Ayres Photography
Dumfries Baptist Church Centre for the venue
Simon Lidwell of Wordsmith Crafts for the props
Izzy Leach as Assistant Photographer
Volunteers – Linda Taylor, Jacqui Law, Meg Ayres, Mary Carberry, Lucy McGill, Karen Scriven
Dumfries Lions Club for sponsoring
