MOTORCYCLISTS from across Scotland are set to descend on Dundee on Saturday for this year’s Santa Biker Toy Run.
Bikers are encouraged to put a festive spin on their vehicles as they drive through the city’s streets.
People are encouraged to contribute a £5 donation which is put towards toys to be distributed to children’s charities.
Alan Kelly, who runs Scotriders Training School on Dock Street where the event begins, told The National: “We all get on the bikes and put on Santa suits and ride around Dundee. It usually takes an hour and is a wee bit of a spectacle for people to see while they’re out doing their Christmas shopping.
“We distribute them to various charities, and then once everything we have has been distributed we ring round others in the area to so they can get whatever is left over.
“It’s just about getting stuff out to as many people as we can.”
Recipients this year will include Spectrum - an out of school club for autistic children - and the Glenlaw House Respite Unit for disabled children.
The bikers will set off from Scotriders Training School and make their way towards the city centre, through the Marketgait area before heading down to the West Port area and along the waterfront.
The fundraiser has been running for 18 years now, although there was a short hiatus due to Covid, with Kelly praising the amount of work which volunteers put in to make the event worthwhile.
He singled out the costumes as part of what makes it so special. “Not to blow my own trumpet but I was very pleased with myself when I came through the city with my motorbike done up like Santa’s sleigh.
“A lot of people put a lot of time into getting stuff, people wrap up their whole bikes in Christmas paper, some of the costumes are fantastic.
“There’s so much effort that goes into making this a spectacle for everyone to see.”
Kelly confirmed to The National that there would be a little disruption in the city centre although police would accompany the riders to ensure it was kept to a minimum.
He said: "I'd say 99% of drivers are happy just sitting there and giving us a wave. It takes a wee while for everyone to get through junctions but we have police riders who'll stop traffic where necessary."
