Tian Tian, meet Tian Tian, your panda penpal

EDINBURGH Zoo’s giant pandas have had no shortage of company since they were unveiled to the public last month.

But yesterday one of the pair was given a special introduction – to her half-Scottish namesake, who offered to have “a chat” with the bear in Chinese.

Tian Tian Brunton, a seven-year-old from Peebles who speaks Mandarin, wrote a letter to the female half of the zoo’s famous couple after hearing she was on her way from China.

“Not many people here in Scotland can speak Chinese but some are learning,” wrote little Miss Brunton. “We can have a chat because I can speak Chinese.”

Miss Brunton, who has a Chinese mother and a Scottish father, enclosed a photograph of herself so panda Tian Tian might recognise her.

She also wrote in the letter: “I am really looking forward to you coming to stay in Edinburgh because we have a lot of things in common with each other.

“The first is that we have the same name. This has made me quite famous at school as everyone has heard about you coming from China to live in Edinburgh.”

Miss Brunton also informed the female panda that she was just a year younger than her.

Reassuring Tian Tian that Scots are “really friendly”, she continued: “I know that you are bringing a friend with you, Yang Guang, so hopefully you will not be too lonely.”

Tian Tian the panda, whose name means Sweetie, was revealed to the public for the first time just before Christmas with her male companion Yang Guang, whose name means Sunshine.

Hugh Roberts, chief executive at the zoo, said the letter was “enchanting”. “We were really touched to receive Tian Tian Brunton’s letter and photograph,” he added. “A really enchanting read and we were only too happy to arrange for her to meet our panda of the same name.

“Having access to giant pandas is an amazing educational opportunity for [all] children. It’s particularly lovely to hear of this special connection with a Scottish child.”

Fiona Hyslop, the Scottish culture and external affairs secretary, was also sent a letter from the schoolgirl.

Ms Hyslop said: “Securing the loan of two giant pandas is a considerable honour and a strong symbol of the growing relationship between Scotland and China.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for people in Scotland – particularly our young people – to learn more about pandas and Chinese culture, and further strengthen our business, cultural and diplomatic links.

“I’m delighted to make my first visit to the pandas today with Tian Tian Brunton and her family, who epitomise the coming together of the two cultures.”