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Wee MacNessie Highland book launch coincides with Chinese New Year; Loch Ness Monster meets Lion Dance as cultures collide


By Federica Stefani

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Pauline Mackay: Book launch.
Pauline Mackay: Book launch.

THERE will be a real song and dance about a well-timed children's book launch in the Highland capital on Saturday.

The unveiling of culture-crossing Wee MacNessie and the Lion Dance coincides with the beginning of the Chinese New Year.

The launch at Inverness Town House from 2.30pm will be accompanied by some singing and dancing from local children who are studying Mandarin.

The day heralds the beginning of the Year of the Rat.

Author Pauline Mackay has teamed up with illustrator Brian Robertson for the publication which is the latest in a series of bilingual books published by her locally based Able Kids Press.

Ms Mackay said: "Discovering that my little Loch Ness Monster delights children in local nurseries and schools, as well as those as far away as Beirut and Singapore, makes me so happy.

"The world of Wee MacNessie continues to grow in ways I never imagined. I don’t think I will ever tire of talking to people about it and explaining where the ideas come from. The latest story has its roots in my links to the Scottish Highlands and Islands and Moray Chinese Association (SHIMCA) run by Monica Lee-Macpherson, to whom this book is dedicated.”

The story combines our iconic Loch Ness Monster with the mesmerising lion dance which brings good fortune in Chinese culture.

The book launch is a wonderful opportunity to hear local children and their teacher, Angela Mackenzie, read and sing in Mandarin and learn about Chinese culture.

And there might even be a sighting of Wee MacNessie himself!

Doors for the free event open on Saturday, January 25 from 2.30pm. It will then run from 3pm to 4pm.

The book is written bilingually.
The book is written bilingually.

Related article: Ross residents to join the fun at Chinese New year event


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