Santa's sleigh brings a touch of magic to Wick
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Children in Wick have been enjoying the magic of Christmas as Santa's sleigh makes a very welcome journey through the town.
The sleigh, operating by the town's Christmas light team, visited a number of streets in Pulteneytown last Wednesday and Thursday night, and will be on the other side of town this week.
The group's chairwoman, Claire Mackenzie, said: "It has been really good. Argyle Square on Thursday was just mobbed with kids that were so excited." She explained that one little girl was heard to say: "Mum, mum, it's the real Santa."
Many people have been waving from their windows as the sleigh passes or coming out to their gardens to take in the scene.
The chairwoman continued: "The comments we have had on Facebook have been so lovely. They are so appreciative of everything we do – it brings a bit of Christmas cheer to the town."
When Claire took over the post five years ago, Santa's sleigh was one of the things she was really keen to bring back to the town. Wick Christmas Lights received funding from Tesco and this is the third year they have been able to operate the sleigh.
"People who remember the sleigh when they were younger now have kids who think it is magical," she said.
This year, due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, Santa's helpers have not been able to hand out sweets or take collections, however the group have set up a Paypal account for donations and a number of shops in the town have also offered to take collection buckets.
On Wednesday evening, starting at 6.30pm, the sleigh will follow a route from High Street, on through George Street to Hill Avenue, and down to Henrietta Street, before heading along to Hillhead Road, Willowbank, Whitehouse Park and Girnigoe Street.
The following night Santa will head out to Staxigoe and Papigoe before going back into the town to visit Murray Avenue, Proudfoot Road, Lindsay Drive, Sandigoe Drive and Port Dunbar.
Those waiting to see Santa are being asked to remember to socially distance.
Families in Wick have also been enjoying the Santaland lights at the Rosebank Playing Fields.
