Highland’s Favourite Rhyme of All Time

Humpty Dumpty is Highland residents’ favourite nursery rhyme of all time, according to a new survey.

This traditional classic, published in 1810 has beaten modern rhymes such as Five Little Monkeys and a Hedgehog is Very Prickly to the top spot. Twinkle, Twinkle little star has taken second place in the poll, and Hey Diddle Diddle came in third.

The poll of children and parents across Highland’s was conducted by book gifting programme Bookstart in Scotland, to raise awareness of its free Bookstart Rhymetimes for children aged birth to three and their parents or carers.

Bookstart Rhymetimes have been running in Highland’s since 2003, as an extension of the Bookstart programme. They are usually held in libraries or other community venues throughout the area, are free to attend and incorporate a mix of modern and classic rhymes, songs, movement and books.

Elizabeth Parker, The Highland Council’s Senior Librarian for Children & Families said: “It’s wonderful to see the enduring popularity of these traditional rhymes which are passed down through generation after generation. At our Bookstart Rhymetimes we want everyone to enjoy singing rhymes, listening to stories and reading books, whether it be old classics or something new.”

Families across Highlands will have the opportunity to enjoy some of these rhymes when Highland Libraries take part in Scotland’s Biggest Rhymetime Day on Thursday 15 May. Special Bookstart Rhymetime sessions incorporating some of the most popular rhymes will be taking place at 11am.  Anyone wishing to take part should contact their local library for further details.  On 15 May there will also be a special Bookstart Rhymetime session held at 11am in the Jim Love Studio at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness.  This is a free event but tickets are required and should be booked by contacting the Box Office 01463 234234.

Top Ten Nursery Rhymes in Highland

1. Humpty Dumpty
2. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
3. Hey Diddle Diddle
4. Baa Baa Black Sheep
5. Incy wincy
6. Hickory Dickory Dock
7. Jack and Jill
8. Mary Had a Little Lamb
9. Round and round the garden
10. Row Row Row Your boat

The number one nursery rhyme in Scotland was found by the survey to be Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, followed closely by Humpty Dumpty.

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