Santa's sleigh route to be extended to spread more Christmas cheer

As well as returning to the town on December 15, Santa will spreading some festive cheers in Fairlie and Skelmorlie on December 13.

The event is being arranged by the Largs Events Group as an alternative to the Yuletide evening, which has had to be cancelled for the second year running.

Santa's Sleigh will be towed again this year by a North Ayrshire Council vehicle driven by Robert Butcher.

On December 15, Santa will leave Brooksby Car Park at 6pm and travel around Largs, following the same route as last year.

The sleigh's position will be regularly updated on social media to prevent people having to wait out in the cold.

Santa has also arranged for Largs Events to deliver a selection box to every child in Largs, Fairlie and Skelmorlie primary schools prior to the sleigh tours.

On Monday December 13 Santa will leave travel up Long Hill in Skelmorlie at around 6pm and tour the village.

Santa will then leave the Fairlie Bowling Club car park at around 7pm and travel around local streets.

The exact routes and times will be confirmed soon.

Ian Murdoch, chairman of Largs Events, said: "We had to cancel the Largs Yuletide evening for safety reasons, so we decided that we would bring back the Santa's sleigh ride to provide some festive cheer as it proved to be so popular last year.

"We have now been given permission this year to extend it to Fairlie and Skelmorlie, which we are delighted about.

"All of the primary school children in Largs, Fairlie and Skelmorlie will also be receiving selection packs and we would like to say a huge thank you to all of our sponsors for their assistance in making Santa's Sleigh Ride happen."

Mr Murdoch would like to than North Ayrshire Council, Pearsons Garage, Glenrowan Homes, Ayrshire Tree Surgeons. Spar Scotland, SHS Markets, Stephen Connick Builders and Joiners, David Rae Electrical, Largs and Fairlie Valeting Centre and Nicolson Maps for their assistance.