An Edinburgh Santa Claus has ensured his chimney trips around the world will be eco-friendly this year after introducing a new electric sleigh.
Heading round the streets of Kirkliston this week, Father Christmas and his team will be visiting local children on Christmas Eve while cruising round on the new piece of technology.
With Dancer and Prancer unable to pull the sleigh for the evening, the vehicle has been "revamped" with new Lithium Iron Phosphate technology, similar to the technology used in Tesla electric vehicles.
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Allowing the sleigh to run on a sustainable battery source, Kirkliston Community Council confirmed there will be no carbon output from it after they applied for an Edinburgh Council grant to fund the project.
The Christmas Eve celebrations are expected to bring over 8,000 locals to the streets between 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm to enjoy the festivities as Santa and his sleigh tour the village. There will also be a collection on the night for Queensferry Care in the Community.
David Buchanan, Chair of the Kirkliston Community Council, said: “This is such a wonderful example of community solidarity and togetherness, and we’re very pleased to be doing something a bit different this year. Our new sparkling sleigh will be used to bring joy on Christmas Eve. I personally cannot wait to see the smiles on so many faces after what has been a particularly challenging year for so many.”
Geoff Crow, Director of local business 21CC Group Ltd added: “The Kirkliston Community Council sleigh brings the magic of Christmas to the village each year. The sleigh hasn’t had any investment for some time and was in much need of refurbishment ahead of this year.
"We are absolutely delighted to top up the grant award to support the sleigh refurbishment and to enable the Community Council to create something very special this year for the village."
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