Highland weather helped inspire STV presenter’s new children’s book
An STV presenter revealed how a meteorological milestone in the Highlands helped inspire his first children’s book.
Weatherman Sean Batty is set to return to Inverness and Aviemore to present his first new book, titled The Worst Christmas Weather Ever!
The book takes readers on an adventurous ride around the world, using real-life weather events to tell a fun, exciting - yet thought-provoking - story around climate change.
In a previous visit to the Highlands, he said: “The book draws inspiration from actual climate events and, on his adventure, Santa encounters seasonably warm weather in the Highlands.
“That’s based on the record 18.7°C which was recorded at Achfary on December 28, 2019.
“Other events include record-breaking snowfalls in Japan to wildfires in Australia and floods in South Sudan.”
As part of promoting his book, Mr Bartty has already taken part in the Eden Court Christmas Market in Inverness and a festive event at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort, where he will return on Saturday December 21.
The presenter is also an ambassador for Scotland Loves Local, the campaign urging people to think local first and prioritise spending with businesses in their communities.
He said that meeting shopkeepers, stallholders and other community enterprise owners has proven another powerful reminder about the need to get behind local shops, services and attractions.
“I’m passionate about the weather and love Christmas so it has been so exciting sharing my new book with young readers,” he added.
“Getting out and about at this special time of year - meeting so many local businesses - has also been a powerful reminder about how we need to get behind them and show them our support.
“In my book, Santa asks children around the world to become Ho Ho Heroes by becoming eco-friendly and helping to protect the planet. But we can all become heroes for our local high streets by choosing local this Christmas and throughout the year.”
Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation which spearheads Scotland Loves Local, is leading the charge in calling for people to shop local during the final countdown to Christmas.
STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “A successful Christmas season really can define the year for many local businesses.
“So many local businesses have served our communities for generations. By getting behind them we can help safeguard their future, as well as the jobs of our friends and neighbours, as well as ensuring the foundations are in place to help create vibrant, successful town centres of the future.”
Explaining more about The Worst Christmas Weather EVER!, Mr Batty hopes it will encourage more children to become interested in the weather, just as he did as a seven-year-old.
He said: “I wanted the story to be as realistic as possible because climate change is not something that needs exaggerating. The extreme weather Santa encounters is based on real events. It’s not about scaring kids – it’s about educating them through fun and adventure.”
“The book is a fun way to encourage kids to think about their own environmental impact,” Sean said. “It’s all about inspiring positive change while still embracing the magic of Christmas.”
