Christmas Lights and Tours

Santa and his sleigh were on hand at the switch-on of Queensferry Christmas Lights on Thursday 28th November and he was out and about with his sleigh in Queensferry during the run up to Christmas. 

As always, the donations received were a testament to the kindness and public spirit of locals and visitors alike. Santa's last tour of the year took place on the evening of Sunday, 22nd of December. The total raised as of 23rd December was a magnificent £3, 879.89. This sum will be increased by 25% through Gift Aid. President Jim McCulloch of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry said: 'Santa and his sleigh is a firm favourite in the Queensferry calendar. It never fails to bring out the generosity of Queensferry people. All funds raised will go to local causes. On behalf of  the club, I thank everyone who contributed. I must also thank the managements of Craigie's Farm Shop and Deli, New Hopetoun Garden Centre, the local Tesco supermarket and Scotmid in South Queensferry for allowing Santa and his helpers to collect on their premises. Thanks are also due to all the Rotarians who helped - particularly Lorna Prentice, Richard Brown, Derek Clark, all the elves and drivers and of course Santa himself.' 

Funds from Santa's Sleigh support the annual Senior Citizens' Concert and other Rotary projects throughout the year such as Rotary Youth Service. From quizzes in local primary schools to facilitating international exchanges of university graduates, Rotary offers local young people a range of opportunities for learning and personal development. Some of the many organisations which have also been supported include Queensferry Churches Care in the Community, Scouts in Queensferry and Kirkliston, the Sea Cadets, Craigie's Educational Trust, primary schools in Queensferry and Kirkliston, Christmas in Queensferry and Christmas in Kirkliston. Several payments are also made to assist individuals with particular needs whose circumstances are brought to the attention of the club.