The Adventures of Tipsy and Tam

Lemming Classics

Join Tipsy and Tam, two curious and adventurous children, as they explore the challenges faced by Scotland’s tourism sector due to new rules and regulations. Through their journeys, they meet real people affected by these changes—small business owners, holiday home hosts, and local shopkeepers—learning how rules meant to help can sometimes cause problems. With each book, Tipsy and Tam uncover the impact of government policies on families, communities, and businesses, asking the important question: How can we make things fair for everyone? Through these exciting and educational stories, Tipsy and Tam show us the real-world consequences of government decisions on tourism, businesses, and local communities. They teach young readers (and adults!) the importance of critical thinking, fairness, and balance in policymaking. Will Scotland find a way to support tourism while keeping things fair for locals and business owners? Join Tipsy and Tam on their adventures to find out!

Tipsy and Tam and the Mystery of Unfair Rules
Theme: Unequal Regulations and Business Closures
Tipsy and Tam’s friend Fiona is worried—new short-term let rules are forcing people like her to get expensive permits, while some businesses are unfairly exempt from safety rules during festivals. They discover that many self-catering businesses are run by older women in rural areas, and these new laws are pushing them out of work. Even more alarming, some safety rules are being relaxed for certain events, creating risks for visitors. Tipsy and Tam decide to help Fiona fight for fair and sensible policies.
Tipsy and Tam and the Problem of Planning
Theme: Confusing Planning Rules for Holiday Homes
Mummy and Daddy want to rent out their seaside holiday house, but they run into a big problem—different councils have different rules! Some say they need permission, while others say they don’t. The confusion leaves many small businesses struggling, with some even being forced to close. Tipsy and Tam decide to take action, writing to the government to ask for clear, fair, and consistent rules for everyone.
Tipsy and Tam and the Sad Self-Caterers
Theme: Over-Regulation and Mental Health of Business Owners
On their holiday in Scotland, Tipsy and Tam notice many cottages with ‘For Sale’ signs. They meet Mr. McGregor, a self-catering cottage owner, who tells them about the stressful new regulations and high fees that are forcing small businesses to shut down. As they explore the town, they see how struggling self-caterers affect the whole community—from bakers to boat tour operators. The impact isn’t just financial; it’s emotional too. Can Scotland protect local businesses while still making fair rules?
Tipsy and Tam and the Tourist Tax Mystery
Theme: The Visitor Levy and Its Consequences
A new tourist tax is being introduced in Scotland, making it more expensive for visitors to stay in hotels and holiday homes. Tipsy and Tam investigate whether this tax will really help communities or just make life harder for small businesses and rural areas. They learn that while the tax could improve local services, it might also push tourists away to cheaper destinations. With so many factors to consider, how can Scotland get this right?
Tipsy and Tam and the Mystery of Unfair Rules
Theme: Unequal Regulations and Business Closures
Tipsy and Tam’s friend Fiona is worried—new short-term let rules are forcing people like her to get expensive permits, while some businesses are unfairly exempt from safety rules during festivals. They discover that many self-catering businesses are run by older women in rural areas, and these new laws are pushing them out of work. Even more alarming, some safety rules are being relaxed for certain events, creating risks for visitors. Tipsy and Tam decide to help Fiona fight for fair and sensible policies.
Tipsy and Tam and the Problem of Planning
Theme: Confusing Planning Rules for Holiday Homes
Mummy and Daddy want to rent out their seaside holiday house, but they run into a big problem—different councils have different rules! Some say they need permission, while others say they don’t. The confusion leaves many small businesses struggling, with some even being forced to close. Tipsy and Tam decide to take action, writing to the government to ask for clear, fair, and consistent rules for everyone.
Tipsy and Tam and the Sad Self-Caterers
Theme: Over-Regulation and Mental Health of Business Owners
On their holiday in Scotland, Tipsy and Tam notice many cottages with ‘For Sale’ signs. They meet Mr. McGregor, a self-catering cottage owner, who tells them about the stressful new regulations and high fees that are forcing small businesses to shut down. As they explore the town, they see how struggling self-caterers affect the whole community—from bakers to boat tour operators. The impact isn’t just financial; it’s emotional too. Can Scotland protect local businesses while still making fair rules?
Tipsy and Tam and the Tourist Tax Mystery
Theme: The Visitor Levy and Its Consequences
A new tourist tax is being introduced in Scotland, making it more expensive for visitors to stay in hotels and holiday homes. Tipsy and Tam investigate whether this tax will really help communities or just make life harder for small businesses and rural areas. They learn that while the tax could improve local services, it might also push tourists away to cheaper destinations. With so many factors to consider, how can Scotland get this right?
Tipsy and Tam the Problem of Holiday Homes
Theme: Short-Term Lets and Housing Availability
Tipsy and Tam discover how holiday rentals (short-term lets) help tourists enjoy Scotland while supporting local businesses. However, they also learn that some people worry about housing shortages due to these lets. They investigate different perspectives and find that the real issue might not be short-term rentals, but rather a lack of affordable housing. Can Scotland find a balance that allows both tourists and residents to thrive?
Tipsy and Tam and the Missing Data
Good policy starts with real data - not just opinions or stories.
When confusing new rules appear, Tipsy and Tam discover the data has gone missing! With help from Sally the Data Guru, they learn that good policy must be built on evidence - not assumptions or loud opinions. Along the way, they uncover how data helps us listen, understand, and create fairer futures for everyone.
Tipsy and Tam and the Policy Wizard
Understanding fairness through curiosity and collaboration.
When tourism rules become tangled and confusing, curious adventurers Tipsy and Tam meet Daisy - a reform wizard who turns complexity into clarity. Through kindness, clever thinking, and conversations with everyone, she shows them how fair policy can help people, places, and small businesses thrive. A heartwarming tale of curiosity, courage, and change.
Tipsy and Tam and the World Behind the Welcome Mat
The ecosystem that powers short-term lets
Tipsy and Tam visit a cosy holiday cottage, only to find it’s more than just a place to stay. From bakers and cleaners to tech and teamwork, they uncover the hidden world that makes each stay possible. A heartwarming tale about people, place, and the power of tourism to support communities across Scotland.
Tipsy and Tam the Problem of Holiday Homes
Theme: Short-Term Lets and Housing Availability
Tipsy and Tam discover how holiday rentals (short-term lets) help tourists enjoy Scotland while supporting local businesses. However, they also learn that some people worry about housing shortages due to these lets. They investigate different perspectives and find that the real issue might not be short-term rentals, but rather a lack of affordable housing. Can Scotland find a balance that allows both tourists and residents to thrive?
Tipsy and Tam and the Missing Data
Good policy starts with real data - not just opinions or stories.
When confusing new rules appear, Tipsy and Tam discover the data has gone missing! With help from Sally the Data Guru, they learn that good policy must be built on evidence - not assumptions or loud opinions. Along the way, they uncover how data helps us listen, understand, and create fairer futures for everyone.
Tipsy and Tam and the Policy Wizard
Understanding fairness through curiosity and collaboration.
When tourism rules become tangled and confusing, curious adventurers Tipsy and Tam meet Daisy - a reform wizard who turns complexity into clarity. Through kindness, clever thinking, and conversations with everyone, she shows them how fair policy can help people, places, and small businesses thrive. A heartwarming tale of curiosity, courage, and change.
Tipsy and Tam and the World Behind the Welcome Mat
The ecosystem that powers short-term lets
Tipsy and Tam visit a cosy holiday cottage, only to find it’s more than just a place to stay. From bakers and cleaners to tech and teamwork, they uncover the hidden world that makes each stay possible. A heartwarming tale about people, place, and the power of tourism to support communities across Scotland.