Print can be cut and folded into a 3D cereal box

A Stirling-based designer has turned a cherished family story into a creative fundraising project with all profits going to Lochaber Foodbank.

The story, Porridge for Tea, was originally written by Duncan Carmichael and selected in 2017 for the Scottish Book Trust’s prestigious Nourish anthology. It reflects on a childhood summer spent with his grandmother in Fort William - a quiet, heartfelt reflection on the memories that are made from meals.

Now, Duncan’s sister, a graphic designer, has brought the story to life in an unexpected format: a fully illustrated cereal box that nods to 1980s breakfast packaging, complete with family photographs, storytelling panels, and thoughtful design touches that pay tribute to their late grandmother.

“This story means a lot to us as a family - especially the way it captures our gran’s spirit,” she explains. “When I realised I didn’t have time to design a full book before Duncan’s birthday as planned, I thought: what if I made a porridge box instead? After all, that’s what breakfast used to be about - reading the back of the box before school.”

The result is a nostalgic print that can be cut and folded into a 3D cereal box, with the full story printed across its surfaces. The design uses a retro colour palette, period-accurate typography, and even includes a "FREE INSIDE!" call out that children of the eighties will remember with fondness.

Importantly, all profits from the project are being donated to Lochaber Foodbank, a fitting beneficiary of the project.

“It felt right that the story should help others, just as it’s helped us remember and reconnect,” she says. “This was a personal project at first, but it’s become something that we want to share to spread kindness and nourishment, in memory of our gran."

Writer Duncan added, "It was a great surprise to see Porridge for Tea as a cereal box! It's a very fitting format for the story and a really nostalgic item. When Katie asked me if she could gift some copies to other people and organisations with ties to the story, I thought, this is actually a great charity fundraiser opportunity. We thought Lochaber Foodbank was the perfect charity match for the project."

The cereal box edition of Porridge for Tea is available to supporters of Duncan and Katie's crowdfunder. Supporters can opt to get a box of their own, display it as a keepsake, or give it as a meaningful gift - all while contributing to a vital community programme.

The crowdfunder runs until 26 May.