A joint community venture in Aberdeen has resulted in the launch of The Muckle Birdie Match, a new children’s storybook and bird-spotting guide celebrating the wildlife, creativity and community spirit of Torry.
Developed between Sport Aberdeen, Doric Books, The Habitat People and Denis Law Legacy Trust, the book was created with pupils from Tullos Primary School and has been 18 months in the making.
Set in the heart of Torry, The Muckle Birdie Match tells the story of two rival bird football teams competing both on the pitch and within their habitats. When a Green Lintie (Greenfinch) and a Chye (Chaffinch) meet by chance at a local bird table, they discover that they don’t need to be enemies after all and that friendship is much more important than rivalry.
The heartwarming tale was written through a series of creative workshops involving Primary 3 and Primary 6 pupils from Tullos School during 2025. The children contributed ideas and illustrations, helping to bring the characters and local setting to life.
Funding for the project was provided through ETZ’s Community & Coast Programme, building on an earlier environmental initiative that saw The Habitat People and Denis Law Legacy Trust work with pupils from Lochside Academy to create bird boxes for the local area.
Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools team then joined the project to help develop the concept into a lasting educational resource for local families.
The finished publication has evolved into a nearly 40-page storybook featuring not only the original tale but also a field guide packed with information about the bird species that can be found in St Fittick’s Park and the surrounding area.
The project partners hope the book will inspire children and families to learn more about local wildlife while encouraging a greater connection with the natural environment on their doorstep.
Natalie Brown, Active Schools Co-ordinator (Torry) at Sport Aberdeen, who has played a key role in facilitating the creation of the storybook, said: “The enthusiasm shown by the pupils at Tullos Primary has been incredible.
“They’ve put their time, effort and creative skills into creating this wonderful book through different scenarios and fabulous drawings and they should all be extremely proud of the role they have played in bringing this story to life.”
Carole Monnier, ETZ Ltd Community Lead, said: “The incredible contribution made by the pupils of Tullos Primary School, who imagined the story and illustrated The Muckle Birdie Match, combined with the support of a brilliant group of partner organisations, has brought to life a tangible community legacy full of heart. It has been a real privilege to support this project and to see it come to life.”
The Muckle Birdie Match is available to purchase for £10 at www.doricbooks.com and is also available to borrow from the library at Greyhope Community Centre.