Scots language book launched in memory of Dumfries woman

A new children’s book aimed at encouraging school pupils to engage with the Scots language has been written in memory of a Dumfries woman.

The Lois Sherret Trust was founded in memory of the 40-year-old, who died from bile duct cancer in April 2022.

While receiving treatment at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Lois’ friend Claire Berridge promised she would write a book about her life and love of animals.

Three years on, Claire has published The Sherrets’ Sma Haddin (The Sherrets’ Small Holding) which shares the story of Lois and her husband Graham’s move to the countryside to realise their dream of having a small farm.

Lois’ rare form of cancer has symptoms which are often difficult to spot in the early stages.

Claire said: ”Everybody loved Lois, she was just one of those people who made everyone smile.

”Myself and Lois used to waitress at Burns Supper events, and she just loved the Scots language.

“She cared deeply for animals and believed that kindness, respect and understanding should extend to all living creatures.”

Claire works as a primary school teacher and is developing plans to visit schools across Dumfries and Galloway to provide educational workshops on Scots – as well as hands-on experience with animals.

”We can visit primary schools free of charge, share the book and tell Lois’ story,” she said.

“School trips are really expensive so it’s nice to be able to offer this for free.”

Claire added: ”I think Lois would be super proud of everyone and probably wouldn’t believe that we could have done this, but we have and we’ve done it for her.”