The man who runs Scotland's only Santa School has issued a stark warning that Scots could be facing a national shortage if more people don't enrol to be Saint Nick in 2022.
The caution comes from seasoned Santa helper, Stuart Thompson MBE, from Dumfries and Galloway, who has been running Scotland's official Santa Training School for the past 15-years. Stuart claims he is barely getting anyone enrolling, numbers are dwindling compared to past years and as a result, he is having to turn business away.
The quirky school, set up in 2008, teaches candidates how to become the perfect Scottish Santa - from learning about the history of Santa and Christmas traditions, to voice training, costumes, make-up and role play.
But in recent times, Stuart has noticed a huge downturn in Scots putting themselves forward to take on the festive role. At its peak, the 66-year-old had around 20 people attending his workshops. Now, the school has just one pupil.
The ex-civil servant is now worried that if no more Yuletide enthusiasts enrol to spread comfort and joy to children up and down the country, the magic and tradition surrounding Father Christmas in Scotland could be lost, leaving Christmas cancelled for good.
Stuart told the Record: "I'm not trying to paint a black picture of Christmas, but the number of candidates in the Santa School has depleted greatly over the years, and I'm just wondering why.
"We take tens of requests from January onwards for parties, shopping centres, garden centres and hotels hosting Santa's Grottos and Christmas breakfasts, but we've had to turn almost all of them down.
"Events like these have become really popular and it seems the demand is outstripping the availability of Santas, which is really concerning. Ideally, to meet current demand in Dumfries and Galloway alone, we would need around a dozen Santas.
"It's a shame because in countries like Canada and America, Father Christmas is a big business. The Santas out there are real icons. There doesn't seem to be that same thinking here."
Stuart's school adheres to a very strict code of practice, with candidates requiring a PVG obtained through Disclosure Scotland to complete the session, and regular Santas encouraged to take a refresher class every year.
On completion of the four-hour course, students are presented with a Certificate of Competence before taking to their sleigh. The position pays handsomely, too, with a rate of £12-15.
Santa helpers have been trained all over Scotland, with people having travelled from as far as Glasgow and the central belt to make sure they know their myrrh from their mince pies.
Training is not just confined to Stuart's classroom, though. Local councils are among those who have approached him in the past to receive some training. As long as he's got an overhead projector and a willing apprentice, Stuart says he can deliver the curriculum anywhere in the country.
He continued: "It's an important role, and we've got to be careful with how we go about it. We don't want to ruin the whole illusion of Santa. That's why I call them Father Christmas' helpers, so kids can still believe there's only one Santa Claus, he just can't be everywhere at once.
"Santas engage in a bit of camaraderie and are thrown difficult questions to see if they can think on their feet. A good Santa is someone who is kind, thoughtful, compassionate, a tremendous listener and of course, they must love Christmas.
"Some kids come in frightened so you've got to gain their trust and confidence and tell them the story of Christmas. Seeing them leave with a smile on their face is just magical.
"It's important to make it a positive experience for the whole family, too. Even adults should feel the magic of meeting Father Christmas. I find it such a rewarding job."
Despite the perks, Stuart is stumped as to why the current state of affairs feels more Scrooge than Santa.
He suspects it may be the workload, stress of modern life or general responsibility of embodying such a legendary character that is putting people off filling the post.
Paul Marshall, who has been working as a Santa Claus for 25 years, agrees. The 73-year-old, who attended Santa School in 2012, said he's had to let clients down over the past year due to lack of uptake from other Kris Kringles.
Paul, who is currently in residence at Caledonia Park village outlet in Gretna, said: "People just aren't interested in becoming Santa anymore. I can see Stuart's problem - I've had to turn down an awful lot of events this year. I've had so many requests, it's unreal.
"You're getting more and more places wanting to put on a Grotto but there's not enough Santas to go round. I was even approached by someone back at Easter.
"The way Stuart's school operates is wonderful. I can see why he started it because you can't just put a red suit on and say 'I'm Santa', there's a lot more to it than that.
"Every Santa needs to adhere to the same principles. If we all behave differently, then kids will get confused and no longer believe.
"The biggest problem at the moment is getting people into the school, but if you want to become a Santa, then proper training is definitely recommended."
In any case, he stresses that 'fresh blood' is what's needed to reignite that Christmas spirit, and hopes a message from the North Pole can reach young Scots from all walks of life to make the world that bit more merry and bright.
Stuart added: "It's a demanding job. You've got to sit for quite a long time, be completely focused, animated and switched on, and be good with kids.
"We all lead such busy lives now - people may not have time over the Christmas period to make the commitment but I think part of the problem is the job itself is not advertised enough.
"We need to get into schools, colleges, acting schools and on social media to let young people know there's a great opportunity for seasonal work there. It'd also be great for more mature men who work part time or are retired.
"It's on us to ensure these traditions live on into the future, and that Father Christmas is not forgotten about."
Scottish Retail Consortium said they have not been made aware of a Santa shortage.
If you would like to enrol in Santa School, click here.
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