The new-look Santa’s grotto – where they practise elf-isolation!
IT is what children traditionally looked forward to when visiting Santa in his grotto... sitting on his knee and picking out their present.
But this year Father Christmas will have to keep his social distance because of Covid.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon reassured children last month that Covid would not stop Santa from visiting because he is a ‘key worker’... although he might look a bit different, with a face mask covering his big white beard.
All adults, elves and children over five will have to wear a mask and stand two metres apart at grottos. Indoor grottos are out, with Santa now forced to sit in the open air.
Despite the new rules, tickets for such events are selling fast.
Dobbies is still running its Winter Wonderland at its 12 Scottish garden centres, from late this month until Christmas Eve. A staff member in Stirling said: ‘The grotto will be very different this year and kids won’t get close to Santa. They will have to talk to him from two metres away.
‘The grotto won’t be enclosed like normal, it will be open, and the elves will all keep their distance.
‘There will be a present for each child but they won’t be able to pick it out of the sack, and to prevent mixing in queues we are asking people to book a slot and to arrive bang on time.’ Edinburgh Zoo is also going ahead with plans to open its Santa’s grotto on November 20, with its website stating: ‘In line with government guidance, Santa will be a socially distanced two metres from you and your children to help keep everyone safe. A photo opportunity is still allowed, just from a distance.’
The zoo is also hoping to hold its popular ‘Storytime with Mrs Claus’ events with reduced numbers.
Santa’s grotto at Dalkeith Country Park, Midlothian, is sold out. A spokesman said they had been ‘inundated’ with enquiries.
Its website states: ‘Please note that this year’s Santa’s grotto will be socially distanced, so Santa will be two metres away from you and your children to help keep everyone safe.
‘After all, Santa needs to keep fit and well to deliver everyone’s presents come Christmas Eve!’