Santa hops aboard Wildland for traditional Dornoch festive outing

By Caroline McMorran

Published: 10:26, 18 December 2023

| Updated: 09:02, 20 December 2023

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It is an annual tradition that is much loved in Dornoch and the surrounding area

Santa visits the town every year in the run-up to Christmas, courtesy of the local volunteer organisation East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA).

Members of ESRA gave their new lifeboat a Christmas makeover for the festive event. Picture: Andy Kirby

And this year was no different with Father Christmas being towed on board ESRA's new lifeboat, Wildland.

ESRA spokesman Antony Hope said: "Dornoch Firth Independent Lifeboat (ESRA) took their Christmas decorated new lifeboat Wildland to Dornoch Square with Santa on board on Friday, December 15.

"ESRA provided soft drinks and sweets for the children and mulled wine for the parents. We also had some pupils from Dornoch Primary School singing carols.

"It was a very well attended event and we will certainly be back next year with Santa!"

ESRA will be providing safety cover on New Year's Day for the popular Dornoch Looky Dook on New Year's Day from 11.45am.

A wave from Santa aboard ESRA's new lifeboat, Wildland. Picture:Andy Kirby

The lifeboat was towed from ESRA headquarters at Dornoch beach to Dornoch Square. Picture: Andy Kirby

Santa extends a hand to a youngster. Picture: Andy Kirby

There was a good turnout for the annual event. Picture: Andy Kirby

Funding for ESRA's new boat and other equipment was donated by Danish entrepreneur Anders Holch Povlsen. Picture: Andy Kirby

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Community Latest News Update me Caroline McMorran