Santa set for virtual chats as Scots cities cancel usual family festive days out

Scratching his beard up in Lapland, Father Christmas has had to come up with an alternative way to treat kids (and big kids) ahead of Christmas.

We all know, of course, that whether you’ve been naughty or nice you can always rely on getting a special pressie from one of the Santas sent out by the Great Man to our malls and children’s parties every year.

So is our national clinical director right and will we be wishing each other all a digital merry Christmas?

Well, down at Santa’s Woodland Experience in North Ballochruin Farm in Balfron Station, Glasgow, things are very different this year.

Children will not be able to ride on the magical tractor through 14 acres of fairy-lit woodland before getting a gift and a chat with Santa in his cabin, as they usually can.

Woodland Experiences has instead launched a Santa@Home delivery goodie bag which will contain a wrapped book and other surprises along with a personalised video message from Santa, with a USB port all that’s needed to “unleash the magic”.

Explaining that the team has Santa’s welfare at heart, Woodland Experiences said: “Due to the situation with Covid-19 and more so the uncertainty of restrictions that will be in place come December, we have decided to cancel Santa’s Woodland Experience for 2020. Most importantly, with Santa being in the ‘at risk’ category, we need to make sure he will be in good health in time for Christmas Eve!’’

READ MORE: 'Santa is a key worker': Nicola Sturgeon reassures children over Christmas fears

The Santa: The Loch Lomond Experience is an annual highlight with families booking well in advance, but alas Santa will not be taking the high road this year either.

The day coach trip has been a Christmas favourite with families travelling to the northern banks of Loch Lomond to meet with Santa and his elves, taking in Christmas music and watching festive films on the way.

Christmas in Edinburgh has always held a special magic but this year the burghers have reluctantly taken the decision that they cannot turn our capital city into a winter wonderland.

Announcing the decision they said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas with the City of Edinburgh Council and Public Health Scotland have taken the collective and very sad decision not to go ahead as planned with this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas sites in the city centre.

“Instead, we will be taking the Christmas magic online for 2020. More information coming soon!”

Glasgow is following developments closely and it is feared that the Christmas market will also be pulled.

The annual Santa Dash & Carnival Parade has become a much-loved institution in the city.

But the sight of red-robed, white-bearded Glaswegians running through the city will probably now be kept until next year.

Aberdeen took the decision early to cancel its Christmas Village which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to Broad Street, Upperkirkgate and the Quad at Marischal College.

And the city will give Santa a rest this year in the hope that it can put the village back on in 2021

Aberdeen City Council co-leader Douglas Lumsden said: “It’s very sad to have to cancel because there are a lot of people who really enjoy the Christmas Village.

“But it’s the right thing to do. There’s no way it could have gone ahead with so much uncertainty, and there is just too much risk with the Covid-19 situation.

“Hopefully it can come back stronger next year when the situation is a bit clearer.”

Festivegoers in Dundee were waiting to see if they would be able to get out on the town and enjoy themselves – with the Dundee Christmas Market still inviting citizens to join them at the Steeple Church events on December 16, although that remains subject to change.

However, not all is lost, with the Sunday National’s search for a Santa bringing some ho-ho-holiday cheer.

Hire A Santa (www.hireasanta.co.uk) will arrange a Santa Visit of up to an hour for £129 and then £25 per extra hour.

READ MORE: Covid in Scotland: Christmas may be digital but that won't stop Santa

While Jason Leitch will be happy to know that they offer a digital alternative with a Virtual Santa Zoom call with a call of up to 15 minutes for £49. They are even able to pin Santa down on his busiest day of the year and will get him to call you on Christmas Day between 9am-6pm with up to two hours for £400 and up to four hours for £600.

So, is Christmas cancelled? Hire A Santa said: “We have been doing lots of work to make sure Santa can still work his magic this year, even in partial lockdown. All our virtual options are available – private parties, office parties, grottos, tea with Santa ... the list goes on.

“We are working with all our clients and Christmas performers to make sure we can still give a Christmas experience and keep everyone safe now.”

And a word from Santa himself: “Christmas is still on. But it will be a little different this year.

“We will still be able to visit your children and get a good photo, a good Christmas memory, but no close contact I’m afraid. I’ve got to stay healthy and strong for Christmas Eve delivering those gifts. I’m still available to visit your home, your street, to make it a more personal experience for you. I’m so excited.”

As well as the reassuring words from Santa himself, our First Minister Nicola Sturgeon chipped in too with a message for kids: “I know Santa will not be prevented from delivering your presents on Christmas Eve because Santa is a key worker and he has lots of magic powers that keep him safe to do that.”

Although she did echo Jason Leitch’s views on a digital Christmas while having a playful jibe about dressing him up as the Grinch.

She clarified the reason for virtual chats with Santa too, saying: “If Santa’s having to do grotto appearances by Zoom, that’s to keep you safe, it’s not that Santa is at any risk.

“Santa will be delivering presents across the world as normal.”

Unless, of course, if by coming down your chimney he would be breaking the rule of six!