TECHNOLOGY-savvy Scots will soon be able to send emojis of their favourite icons – including the Loch Ness Monster.
A technology company is set to release ‘Scotmojis’, which will allow users to send friends and family miniature images of famous Scottish symbols.
Fanmoji, based in London, released a worldwide poll asking what should be included in the coveted list.
And haggis, the Scottish saltire and even the mysterious Nessie made some of the most popular choices.
Images of the icons are set to be released to the public at the end of March.
The poll revealed that Billy Connolly, the Falkirk Wheel and the phrase ‘hawd yer wheest’ were also amongst the favourites – though it is not yet clear whether they too will be commissioned.
Fanmoji will use the artwork of 24-year-old artist Kayleigh Dempster from Cumnock, East Ayrshire, who studies design at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Director of Loch Ness Marketing, Willie Cameron, is delighted by the announcement of a Nessie emoji.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted she is going to be in there –- the Loch Ness Monster is one of the great icons of Scotland.
“I hope everyone in the Highlands will use the symbol. Tourism is everyone’s business –- not just those working in the tourism business.
“From that point of view, I hope everyone in Inverness and Loch Ness will send the Nessie emoji with their texts.”
He added: “The idea of a Scottish emoji is very clever. It’s also highly appropriate given that the Picts in centuries gone by used symbols and that in using symbols again we are revisiting a very prominent element of that culturally significant era.”
World famous Nessie hunter, Steve Feltham, who gave up a conventional lifestyle to look for the monster, is enthused by the idea.
“Internationally, Nessie is such a Scottish icon,” said Mr Feltham. “This is about branding Scotland with that icon. All power to it.
“In a few years, she might be adopted as a badge in the middle of the Saltire. We need to campaign for this next.”
