A DESCENDANT of Scotland’s most famous traveller, Betsy Whyte, has launched a children’s book on what would’ve been her 100th birthday.
The Wee Bessie book, released today, is based on Whyte’s autobiography The Yellow on the Broom and was written by David Pullar, Whyte’s great grandson.
Pullar (pictured right) said: “I wanted to adapt my great grandmother’s story into a format that will appeal to three to seven-year olds, an age young enough to learn about a different culture with open minds, and unlikely to know much about the travelling community. We also hope to encourage traveller children to engage in discussions about shared and individual life experiences, as well as learning more about their own identity and to gain pride in their heritage.”
The Yellow on the Broom offers an insight into the extraordinary lives of the travelling people of the 1920s and 1930s, and was the first book to be written by someone from the travelling community.
READ MORE: Scottish Government increasing support for Gypsy/Travellers
Wee Bessie, illustrated by artist Ruthie Redden, which depicts scenes of travelling life through a season on the road, is the first children’s picture book based on the life of a traveller in Scotland.
“Bessie, would have celebrated her 100th birthday this year so it seemed the perfect time to share her story with a new and younger audience,” Pullar added.
Join Heart of the Travellers for an afternoon of stories and crafts on November 9 between 2.30pm-3.30pm at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh.
This is a free, ticketed event for all ages.
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