Santa swapped his sleigh for a CRANE to visit sick children in a hospital

By Ed Cullinane via SWNS

Santa was forced to switch his sleigh for a CRANE to visit sick children in hospital because of COVID-19 rules.

The Christmas character flew up to the windows of the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital (RACH) on Sunday to deliver some festive cheer.

Indoor mixing is not allowed because of the pandemic, so all contact had to take place through a pane of glass.

One poignant image showed a delighted young girl and Father Christmas putting their hands together on the window.

The stunt was led by children's charity the Archie Foundation, who teamed up with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for the second year in a row.

Staff from both groups dressed up in festive outfits to add to the special occasion.

"We had an incredibly special visitor at Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital!," said the Archie Foundation.

"Santa arrived (in a slightly unconventional way) to bring some festive cheer to children spending the Christmas period in hospital!

"Due to Covid restrictions Santa was unable to come into RACH but the amazing Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, elves from Morrisons Peterhead, Banchory, Inverurie and Aberdeen Stores and TEXO were there to save the day!

"We really can't put into words how special today was, and we can't thank everyone involved enough."

Santa and Scottish Fire and Rescue Fire Fighters at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.(The Archie Foundation via SWNS)

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The RACH caters for the needs of sick children across northern Scotland.

The Archie Foundation works closely with the hospital and several others, such as the Highland Children’s Unit, Tayside Children’s Hospital, and Dr Gray’s Hospital.

The charity said it hopes to make Christmas a bit more special this year for children who can't be at home for it.

Gifts were also donated from a Morrisons supermarket for the children, while funds raised by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will now be used to help improve the atmosphere at the hospital over the festive period.