Staff at Aberdeen International Airport were in for a surprise today when a very important person made his way through international arrivals.
Ground staff, Border Force and the security team had to look twice as the familiar face, donned in traditional dress, arrived at Aberdeen International Airport in the early hours of the morning.
Santa Claus arrived in Aberdeen as he prepares to take up residency for several weeks in his workshop in the city’s Bon Accord Centre.
Santa’s Workshop officially opens on Saturday 14th November and runs until Christmas Eve. Local families will be able to meet Santa and his elves and receive a special gift as part of their visit. 100% of profits made from Santa’s Workshop will go to local charity Charlie House which supports babies, children and young people with complex disabilities and life-limiting conditions and their families in the North-East.
Roger Hunt, interim managing director at Aberdeen International Airport said, “We are very well versed in receiving VIPs at Aberdeen International Airport and they don’t get any more VIP than Santa.
“We are delighted we could help Santa arrive safely and securely at Aberdeen International Airport.
“We know how busy he can be in the run up to Christmas and we’ve made sure all his luggage was accounted for.”
Craig Stevenson, Centre Manager of Bon Accord Aberdeen said, “We are pleased to welcome Santa Claus to Aberdeen!
“The elves have been working hard to prepare his magical Workshop and he will be ready to meet families on our upper mall from Saturday 14 November. All profits from the Workshop will go to Charlie House, a fantastic local cause.
“Santa has been fully briefed on government guidelines and we will have a range of measures in place including online bookings only, social distancing and hand sanitising to ensure that this is a safe and fun experience. Most of all, we can’t wait to bring some festive magic to Aberdeen.”
Speaking of Mr Claus’ safe arrival, Susan Crighton, Director of Fundraising at Charlie House said, “We are delighted to see Santa arriving in the Granite City. He certainly has a busy few weeks ahead and we are very grateful that he is giving his time to make special memories for families in the North-east and to support Charlie House.”
Susan continues, “We understand that he was very well looked after at Aberdeen International Airport and that the baggage handling team took extra special care of his special ‘luggage’. We know that he arrived with several bags so we can only imagine that there may be some special gifts making their way to Bon Accord Aberdeen. Our team of fantastic elf volunteers have now completed their North Pole training and are ready and waiting to assist Santa at his city centre workshop. Families will also have the chance to take home special photographic mementos of their time with Santa and our festive merchandise will also be available to purchase.”
Jamie Wishart, Head of Branch for John Lewis and Partners Aberdeen said, “We were delighted to help Charlie House and the Bon Accord Centre to create Santa’s Workshop.
“Our Partners volunteered their time to create the winter wonderland, and took great pride in knowing that they were helping children of the North East to enjoy a visit with Santa, while also supporting the great work of Charlie House”.
Santa’s Workshop is situated in the Upper Mall of Bon Accord next to ReCHarge Café. Visits cost £4.95 per child and includes a festive gift from Santa.
The workshop will also be offering virtual visits and relaxed sessions. To book a slot to visit Santa’s Workshop visit https://www.bonaccordaberdeen.com/event/santa.
