Debut author sets bear tale in Dornoch: Catherine MacCulloch will read from book at town's Teddy Bear Picnic tomorrow
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A DORNOCH mother has just launched her debut children’s book Winston the Bear and the Dragon of the Black Firs.
Catherine MacCulloch’s book is aimed at three-to-eight year olds and introduces “dapper and lovable” bear Winston, who lives in Dornoch.
She will be reading from it at a Teddy Bear's Picnic organised by Dornoch Festival Week at the Meadows tomorrow from 11am. There will be prizes for the best dressed and most loved teddies.
Winston the Bear and the Dragon of the Black Firs tells how Winston is inspired after reading a story about a fiery dragon that once terrorised the town.
The curious bear decides to investigate to see if there is any proof that the dragon existed or if it could still be hiding somewhere nearby, undiscovered.
Winston sets about exploring familiar locations and beauty spots such as the beach, Royal Dornoch Golf Course, Dornoch Cathedral and Camore Woods.
A unique combination of photography and illustrations bring his fascinating journey to life.
As well as writing the rhyming tale, Catherine was involved in every aspect of the book’s design.
A keen amateur photographer, she took all the photographs in the book and commissioned artist and friend Jude Holden to draw the beautiful illustrations, and seamstress Jo Shepherd to create Winston and his specially tailored outfit. Both women are from Dornoch.
Catherine came up with the idea of writing a book whilst reading to her own children when they were younger.
She visited local musuem Historylinks where she researched ideas and was inspired by the local legend of St Gilbert – Bishop of Caithness and founder of Dornoch Cathedral – slaying a dragon.
Catherine said: “I’ve always enjoyed writing rhymes and making up stories to keep our three children entertained, so I thought that I’d like to give it a go myself.
“I didn’t realise how long it would take to publish and design a book though. I wrote the story and took the photos a couple of years ago, but it was only during lockdown that I managed to finish it, get the book edited and pull everything together."
She added: “I think Winston’s adventure will appeal to younger children who will enjoy looking at the pictures of a very cute bear as he goes on his hunt for the dragon, but hopefully grown-ups will enjoy reading the story to their wee ones too.
“Books with photography in them are not that common in children’s literature, so I wanted to create a really unique book that looked a bit different from all the others, and I wanted to showcase the beautiful landscapes in this part of the world.”
Catherine hopes that her book will help promote Dornoch and the Highlands in general and also encourage sustainable tourism.
She said: “Most importantly I hope that it will inspire children to get out and about to explore their natural environment and go dragon hunting.”
Winston the Bear and the Dragon of the Black Firs is available to buy, priced £8.99, at Dornoch Bookshop, Historylinks and Dunrobin Castle.
For further information visit: www.winstonthebear.co.uk Orders can also be made through the website.
Retailers wishing to stock the book are asked to email: sale@winstonthebear.co.uk
