Young patients paint pebbles for Edinburgh Zoo penguins

Children receiving care at a hospital in Edinburgh have been helping some of the city’s most famous penguins in their search for love.

At the children’s hospital, pebble painting is underway, with the colourful creations destined for penguins at Edinburgh Zoo.

The collection of decorated stones has been created by young patients taking part in activities organised to support children and families during hospital stays.

Among them is Leia, who is waiting on news of her little brother Mason as he undergoes brain surgery.

“It’s amazing actually, it takes Leia’s mind off of things, we just try to make it as good for her as possible,” said Leia’s mum.

The hospital hub offers a safe space for families during challenging times, helping provide moments of distraction and creativity.

Samantha Laidlaw from Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity told STV News: “When you’re in hospital, all you are thinking about is your young person and how they’re going to recover, so when you’re working with a parent and they are just colouring in with you, the impact of that is great.”

One of the children’s favourite weekly visitors is Rebecca Parr, fondly known as The Zoo Lady.

She said: “I distract them from some of the hard stuff they’re going through, I allow them to connect with animals in a way they have never done before.”

This is the fourth year children from the hospital have created pebbles for the zoo’s penguins.

Male gentoo penguins present carefully chosen stones to potential mates as part of their courtship ritual – a gesture often compared to giving an engagement ring.

And this year, even the zoo’s naughtiest penguin is getting a helping hand.

Kevin, who is serving a lifetime ban from the zoo’s famous penguin parade after biting visitors, is on the lookout for love.

But with a few colourful pebbles from his young supporters, staff hope he might still impress a potential partner.

“Kevin’s doing well, but still causing the odd bit of trouble here and there,” said Parr.