A new musical scheme being undertaken in north-east libraries is helping babies fall asleep.
Traditional Doric or Scots lullabies like Ali Bali are played on a harp, allowing parents to soothe their youngsters with song.
The Sing, Soothe and Sleep sessions have been taking place in Boddam, Cruden Bay, Fettercairn and Inverbervie libraries.
Leading the project is Irene Watt, who started the playing her harp to youngsters in Aberdeenshire while working on her university studies.
She said: “Five years ago I was doing a PhD into how music affects you but nobody had looked into lullaby music.
“While I was doing my research, I contacted Aberdeenshire Council to ask if ask if I could attend mother and baby groups to gather some data.
“Once I finished my research, I took my findings back to the council and that led to these sessions being established.
“The sessions beneficial not just for the babies but for the mums as well. It helps calm them and the babies. It is just a lovely thing for them to do.
“Since we have started all the mums say they are really enjoying it and that it really does work.”
Susan McKay, Aberdeenshire libraries’ early years librarian, said: “It has been fantastic to offer these sessions in some of our smaller libraries.
“We hope the young families who attend will continue to visit the library now that they have seen the range of resources available to them and their children.
“The Sing, Soothe, Sleep lullaby sessions are different from other story, song and rhyme sessions offered by libraries as they are designed to relax and soothe.
“The use of Doric or Scots language is a great way of celebrating our local culture and heritage too.”
