Festive goodwill to grow once again from Angel Tree tradition

Brechin Cathedral is preparing for another festive season of generosity as its Angel Tree is almost ready.

The tree is set up each festive season in the landmark, with locals, other churches and people from the surrounding area encouraged to pick a tag from it and donate a gift for a local child whose family may be facing a tough Christmas.

The tradition stretches back to the days of the former US Navy base at Edzell, and was instigated by servicemen based there who wanted to play their part in making the festive season special for those in the area.

Retired nurse and dedicated fundraiser Irene Gillies has led the effort to keep the Angel Tree tradition going and the tags on the tree are now ready for collection.

“People are then invited to come to the cathedral and collect a tag, which will be labelled with an age and boy or girl as a guide for those buying gifts for the children,” said Irene. “I would ask that gifts are returned by December 12 to allow time to wrap and organise them.”

People are asked to buy a new toy up to the value of £10.

The idea for it to be new toys came when Irene was in Africa during one of her previous charity projects and saw a little girl with a skirt that still had the price tag on it.

“When I called the girl over to take the tag off, the girl said no, saying it was the first new thing she owned that was her own,” added Irene.

Last year’s Angel Tree generated its biggest harvest of presents so far, with more than 220 gifts donated by generous people from Brechin and beyond, going out to dozens of families.