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Acair launch Gaelic teddy              20/10/11

Lewis-based publishers Acair have launched their eagerly-anticipated Gaelic teddy at this year’s Royal National Mod in Stornoway.

As well as having the bear on show, they will also have a selection of books at their stall in The Nicolson Insitutute, one of the main competition venues, throughout the week.

Acair publish a wide range of beautiful Gaelic children’s books as well as Gaelic books for adults and books in English with a historical, social or cultural bearing on the Highlands and Islands. This is the first time, though, that they have branched into toys.

And it seemed natural to launch their teddy – a colourful, talking bear who will help teach youngsters the Gaelic words for colours, numbers and shapes – during Mod week.

The interactive cuddly bear was developed in conjunction with an Irish company, Bàbòg, with funding help from Bòrd na Gàidhlig. It goes on sale in November and is expected to be a big hit with little ones – and their parents – this Christmas.

Featuring the voice of a three-year-old Lewis girl, Iona Maclean, the bear has three settings and will say particular colours, numbers or shapes depending on which button is pressed. There are buttons on its ears, paws, feet and tummy.

Acair manager Agnes Rennie said she was looking forward  to “exciting possibilities of continued co-operation” in the future, such as books, TV animations and even an iPhone app featuring the teddy.

She said: “The teddy is a first for Acair. I think it’s brilliant and I think young children will love it.”

Acair are also about to release a number of new children’s titles and some, in fact, will be launched during Mod week alongside the teddy.

These include a Gaelic Nora by Andrew Weale and Ben Cort of Aliens Love Underpants fame. Others to follow soon include Ceitidh Cearc, Coco an t-Iasg Càirdeil and Lachaidh agus an Oidhche Iargalta.

Acair also have plenty to offer the older reader and two titles which may be of particular interest at the moment are Eilean Fraoich, their collection of Lewis Gaelic songs and melodies first published in 1938, and Sùlaisgeir, James MacGeoch’s historic photographs of the Ness guga hunters from the 1950s.

Agnes said: “We are in the school, in the retail area, throughout Mod week. A full range of all our books is there to look at, to browse through, to take away and enjoy.”