The 10 best places to see Santa in Scotland

FOR most children, Christmas would be nothing without Santa, and bringing your little ones to see the man himself can be one of the highlights of the seasons.

Modern Santa’s grottos have more to offer than an actor in a fake beard, with many hosting events and other attractions to keep children (and parents) entertained.

1. SANTA’S WOODLAND EXPERIENCE North Ballochruin Farm, Balfron Station, Stirlingshire

Child £16, adult £8, infant (with gift) £7, infant (without gift) free 01360 752052 www.woodlandexperiences.co.uk

Rather than being plonked on Santa’s knee and then lifted straight back up again, this woodland experience is taken at a relaxed pace, giving children the time to enjoy the atmosphere without being rushed out. You will be taken on a tractor ride through 14 acres of fairy-lit woodland, ending up at a cosy cabin where children choose a present and have a chat with Santa. The tractor then takes you to a byre with much appreciated hot drinks and food on offer, rustled up by local butchers Skinner of Kippen.

2. MRS CLAUS AT POLLOK HOUSE Pollok Country Park, Glasgow

£5.50 0141 616 6410 www.nts.org.uk/visit/events/mrs-claus-atpollok-house

Admittedly this is slightly cheating. Pollok House doesn’t actually offer children the chance to visit Santa but instead to meet his better half Mrs Claus. With so many Santas around it is nice to do something a bit different, and Mrs Claus will offer an age-appropriate, good-quality gift. And while waiting in a line with children is never fun, there are worse places to be than in the elegantly decorated halls of Edwardian Pollok House.

3. SANTA’S GROTTO, EDINBURGH Castle Street, Edinburgh