Thomas Clarke recently visited a Dunfermline school, sharing insights on Scots language and culture with enthusiastic students
Dunfermline: Thomas Clarke, a big name in the Scots language scene, dropped by Towerhill Primary School. He was there for the Neeps and Tatties project, run by the charity Nil by Mouth.
This project is all about using language to dive into cultural and religious differences. The Neeps and Tatties book, written in Scots by Carey Morning and illustrated by Anna York, tells a fun story about two veggie tribes that just can’t get along.
It’s not just a story; it tackles tough topics like discrimination and prejudice. Since its launch in January 2021, it’s been used in over 1,200 schools across Scotland. The book also includes games and activities that help kids learn about different cultures, food, and festivals.
During his visit, Thomas read from the book and led a workshop on Scots words and how they fit into the kids’ lives. He shared, “Working with Nil by Mouth has been a real treat, and I loved meeting such a funny, clever bunch of kids.”
He added, “Scots is widely spoken in Fife, and this project teaches through the language, not just the words. It’s great to see so much interest in Scots, with both old and new speakers sharing its beauty.”
Thomas was impressed by how engaged the class was, saying it was wonderful to hear them share their favorite Scots words and learn new ones. His visit was supported by the Scottish Book Trust’s Live Literature Programme, which helps authors connect with schools.
He even donated copies of his new Eejit Street comics, which are also in Scots, to the school. Dave Scott from Nil by Mouth praised the event, noting how Thomas’s warm style made learning fun for the kids while tackling important themes.
“Teachers say the book helps approach tough issues gently, and having artists like Thomas brings the story to life, which is a huge plus for our campaign,” he said.
