A SPECIAL DELIVERY
Christmas events are set to boost economy
Businesses in Crieff could get an early Christmas present as a jam- packed day of events looks set to provide the town’s traders with a timely boost this weekend.
The main thrust of Saturday’s seasonal showcase comes in the form of the Strath capital’s Christmas lights switch-on organised by volunteer-led group Crieff@Christmas, which opens at noon with a market featuring 20 stallholders.
The build- up to the switch- on entertainment starts at 3pm with opening act Clanadonia, and there will
also be appearances by carol singers, face painters, Jason the Juggling Jester and Clown, Ardvreck School Pipe Band and Brass Central Strathearn.
Twenty new, low-energy, LED light displays will be among those switched on as crowds gather around the tree donated to Crieff@Christmas by local firm RTS Forestry.
Group chair John Gauld said he was looking forward to welcoming as many families as possible to the town on the day and thanked everyone who has contributed to the organisation of the event so far.
The switch-on comes on the same day as the opening of the town’s special Santa’s Post Office, which has been organised by Crieff Succeeds and will officially open in James Square from 4.30pm.
Crieff Succeeds manager David McCann commented: “Santa’s Post Office has already generated a lot of interest and enquiries from people across Scotland and beyond.
“It will bring families to Crieff in the run- up to Christmas who will hopefully then choose to shop and eat or drink while they are here, giving an added boost to the local economy.”
He continued: “As well as raising the profile of the town and increasing footfall, the post office has some further benefits for the local community too.
“We have invited local primary schools and nurseries to attend special workshops there and we are employing local teenagers as elves, giving them valuable work experience which will be good for their personal statements and CVs.
“We are also raising money for Children’s Hospice Across Scotland.
“I want this to be a magical experience for everyone involved.”
The post office – the only one of its kind in Scotland – is designed to encourage children to write their own letters and easily get them to Santa in time for Christmas courtesy of a direct line to the North Pole.
Strathearn ward SNP councillor, Stewart Donaldson, praised those behind Crieff Succeeds for their imagination.
He said: “I’m greatly looking forward to Saturday – not only does it do good for the local economy, and local businesses, it’s all very much an enjoyable day, and one for the family.
“I very much would like to thank the organisers, and those behind the scenes of this event, for all the hard work they put in.
“Santa’s Post Office in James Square is the only one in Scotland. Once again, Crieff Succeeds has come up with an imaginative idea, and I think what they’ve done is great.”
After its opening day, the post office will be open from 2pm to 6pm during the week, from 10am until 4pm on Saturdays and 10am until 3pm on Sundays.
And Santa himself will be making a special visit to his newest post office on Saturday, December 7 – on his sleigh with a couple of reindeer.
Children will be able to have their photographs taken with them and enjoy free face painting, gingerbread decorating, live Christmas music and other seasonal activities.