Printing in the Scots Language didn't start in Scotland – it started in Paris in 1503, with two incredibly beautiful books. Densely illustrated with finely drawn woodcuts, the books were produced for the super elite of Northern Europe by the bookseller and printer to the Kings of France and England. Buying them at auction could cost more than a house – if you even got the chance. Only one perfect copy of each book is known to survive and they've been hidden in English libraries for more than a hundred years.  It would be mad to let bairns at them with crayons and glue. 

Until now.

Printing some of the most memorable words and pictures onto large scale card (51 x 35 cm) has created a uniquely special colouring book for all ages to enjoy. Lovers of language will be amazed by the text. Artists and historians will be fascinated by the woodcuts. Children will be thrilled by a colouring book that encourages their imagination to reach beyond the lines.... and the rest of us will just enjoy mucking in with the paint.

Each set comes in a hand-made folder by the historian and printmaker Martin Moonie. A short introduction to the books together with some suggestions for illuminating and colouring are also provided. Christmas 2009 sets are available from the start of December - to reserve one please contact:  Biblocafe,  262 Woodlands Road, Glasgow. Tel. 0141 339 7645 

The books are priced to cover costs but profit’s not the primary motive. Aside from the joy of putting something magnificent back into the public domain, the reprinting of these images in the homecoming year is intended as a first step towards the wider rehabilitation of the first books in Scots – in a facsimile version or an on-line edition.

An illustrated book of horoscopes from the Kalendayr is currently under development by school children in Edinburgh.  To get involved in the project, suggest others and hear more – or just to share your artwork with similar enthusiasts please contact: shyppar@btinternet.com

Text supplied by Martin Moonie. There is no Scots version of this article.