New book in Scots language released in honor of woman from Dumfries

A recently released children's book, designed to inspire young students to explore the Scots language, has been created in memory of a woman from Dumfries.

The project is supported by the Lois Sherret Trust, established to honor the memory of 40-year-old Lois Sherret, who passed away from bile duct cancer in April 2022. During her treatment at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Lois friend, Claire Berridge, vowed to write a book about her life and her passion for animals.

Three years later, Claire has published The Sherrets' Sma Haddin (The Sherrets' Small Holding), which tells the story of Lois and her husband Graham as they moved to the countryside to fulfill their dream of running a small farm.

Lois cancer was a rare form, often difficult to detect in its early stages. Claire described her friend: Lois had a remarkable ability to make everyone around her smile. We used to work together at Burns Supper events, and she had a deep love for the Scots language.

Claire added, She cared passionately about animals and believed in showing kindness, respect, and understanding to all living beings.

The book, illustrated by Euan Milligan, is accompanied by plans from Claire, a primary school teacher, to visit schools across Dumfries and Galloway. She intends to run educational workshops on the Scots language and provide children with hands-on experiences with animals.

We can visit primary schools free of charge, share the book, and tell Lois story, Claire explained. School trips can be costly, so its wonderful to offer this experience for free.

She concluded, I believe Lois would be incredibly proud of what weve accomplished. She might not have imagined it possible, but weve done it for her.

Author: Caleb Jennings