Fairytale ending for Ross-shire writer
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A ROSS-SHIRE man has drawn on the myth and legend of the Black Isle to help encourage children’s learning and to explore their natural environment.
David Plested’s inspiration also saw him collect the best commercial idea title at the University of the Highlands and Islands Business Idea Competition in Inverness, bagging a total of £2,500 in the process.
The 23-year-old from Fortrose was looking to develop The Fairy Glen School for Fairies children’s picture book and accompanying materials, based on the beauty spot glen near his home.
The book aims to fire kids’ curiosity about the natural world while also supporting the RSPB and attracting tourists to the Black Isle.
A student at Inverness College UHI, he is in his third year of a degree in visual design and communications. Given his course’s focus on creative elements including graphic design, photography and art, his idea for the book has been inspired by his course work and teaching as well as his Ross-shire surroundings.
He has already self-published the book and plans to develop a new series, which his prize money will help support.
David said: "I once read a quote from the RSPB which said that children are becoming less engaged with wildlife and the natural environment, so I wanted to create something that would encourage children to think and speak more about nature.
"The Black Isle is full of fascinating stories about fairies, witches and giants, and it is also known for its beautiful landscapes and wildlife.
"I’d like my book to inspire children’s imaginations while also drawing attention to the wonderful environment we have here in the Highlands."
David was among 15 finalists
who pitched their business ideas to a judging panel for a chance to
win a share of more than £8,000 at the 10th anniversary of the competition.
Organised by CREATE (the centre for enterprise and innovation at Inverness College UHI) in partnership with Business Gateway Highland and Moray and with support from local businesses and organisations, the competition was designed to encourage more people to think about starting their own business.
Carol Langston, head of CREATE, said: "Our judges had a very difficult task this year, given the high standard of entries we received. I’d like to congratulate all the finalists for their hard work and wish them the very best of luck for taking their ventures forward."
Other Ross winners were Kerry Hawthorne from Dingwall who won Best Presentation prize for her Golden Goat Ice Cream idea. The artisan ice cream traditionally made in the Highlands uses milk from a herd of golden Guernsey goats.
The Youth Entrepreneurship award went to pupils Eilidh Johnston, Jack Leonard and Annie Maclennan of Gairloch High School for their idea to set up a social enterprise of an outdoor equipment hire service.
