Two Cambuslang schools have been learning about the delights of writing from one of the UK’s leading football authors.
P6/7 pupils at Cairns and St Cadoc’s Primary Schools took part in a ‘Delights’ workshop led by Daniel Gray as part of a project aimed at helping them celebrate how sport can bring people from different backgrounds together.
Daniel Gray is one of the country’s leading football writers and the author of several books including ‘Saturday 3PM’ ‘Stramash: tackling Scotland’s Towns and Teams’ and ‘Scribbles in the Margins.’ Daniel hosts the cult ‘When Saturday Comes’ podcast as well as being the editor of the Scottish football periodical ‘Nutmeg.’
During the workshop Daniel spoke to the pupils about his work and the various inspirations and writing processes that shape it. Pupils were also supported to create their own ‘delight’ focusing on a smell or sound which incites happy memories. The visit was arranged by Nil by Mouth and the Scottish Book Trust through the ‘Live Literature’ programme which brings reading and writing to the heart of Scotland’s communities by funding author events including live visits, online workshops and other remote sessions. Each year Live Literature supports author events that reach over 20,000 people across all 32 local authorities in Scotland.
Cairns & St Cadoc’s have been working alongside Nil by Mouth for nearly a decade on joint programmes promoting tolerance and respect through football. Thi
s has included trips to Hampden Park to meet Scotland manager Steve Clarke and in 2019 a visit from Sky Sports News to highlight the success of their partnership.
Daniel Gray said: ‘After such a long time not being able to deliver these delights sessions in schools due to the pandemic, it was a delight in itself to be back. I couldn’t have wished for sparkier, funnier, sharper young people to make this comeback with either. Their imaginations were superb, especially when we talked about writing about our favourite smells and noises. One girl told me about her love of the sound goalie glove velcro makes, which was just a perfect example! I’m very grateful to the kids, the schools, Nil By Mouth and the Scottish Books Trust for making this happen.’
Cairns Primary Deputy Head Teacher Martin Hughes said: ‘This was a fabulous opportunity for pupils in both schools to realise they have the ability and confidence to write about the things which matter to them. With Covid restrictions easing the schools are keen to get back to working together to create more good times and food for thought for pupils. We are grateful to the Scottish Book Trust for providing the funding to make this happen.’
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