FORGET THE SLEIGH...

This year Santa will be swapping his usual mode of transport – sleigh and reindeer – and catching the train instead.

The Royal Deeside Railway at Milton of Crathes near Banchory is running several Santa special trains.

During the steam train ride, Santa will hand out gifts and there will be festive singing on board.

• www.deeside-railway.co.uk Keith and Dufftown Railway is running leisurely trips from Keith to the North Pole (Drummuir) from December 7-22.

At the Pole, there’s a picnic area and families can get their picture taken with Santa.

•keithdufftownrailway@outlook. com

Strathspey Railway is running its popular Santa Express trains when families can climb on board a heritage steam train and enjoy a trip through the beautiful Cairngorms winter landscape.

During the two-hour journey, children can meet Santa and receive a gift.

The ticket price includes snack boxes and a drink for all passengers.

• www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk