THUMBLE Tumble, the extraordinary little witch whose adventures are inspired by Arran, will be among some of the most celebrated characters in children’s literature in a new trail created by VisitScotland.

Scotland’s Storybook Trail is a collection of characters and stories with connections to Scotland either by author, by location or by experience.

The trail, which comprises of a colourful map hosted on visitscotland.com and is available at selected VisitScotland iCentres, as well as bookshops and libraries across the country, will help bookworms embark on their own adventures across the country, learning more about their favourite stories and discovering new tales inspired or written in Scotland.

Featured locations include the Brodick Castle and Lochranza Castle where Thumble Tumble’s first two magical adventures were set.

They also include the Isle of Coll, the inspiration of Katie Morag’s fictional home on the Isle of Struay and Birnam Arts in Perthshire, the region that inspired Beatrix Potter’s famous creations.

Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “In this, Scotland’s Year of theYoung People, the Storybook Trail not only celebrates Scotland’s rich literary heritage and incredible landscapes, but it also provides an opportunity to encourage children to read for pleasure and develop a life-long love of books.

“With so many locations across the country linked to characters in children’s literature, I am sure the trail will act as a magnet for visitors from home and abroad who will experience our beautiful, vibrant country.”

Gordon Smith, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “The Thumble Tumble series has cast a spell on many visitors to Arran, highlighting the beauty and mystery of this magical island.”

AH Proctor, author of the Thumble Tumble series, added: “Visitors of all ages often tell me that the Thumble Tumble book series has led them to have some magical holiday adventures of their own on Arran and across Scotland. It’s fantastic to see this recognised, alongside some of the country’s world-renowned storytellers, in VisitScotland’s new Storybook Trail.

“Scotland’s Storybook Trail is full of magical adventures and new discoveries throughout Scotland for all those who view it.”