CHRISTMAS came early for the children of South Kessock, who received presents from Santa at his festive grotto thanks to our latest cash giveaway.
The grotto was set up by South Kessock Residents Association, who won December's charity giveaway award, backed by the Loch Ness Rotary Club and Highland News.
The club provided presents for the 150 children who attended the annual Christmas party in the grotto which was set up at Highland Council's housing office on Craigton Avenue on Saturday.
The donation is part of a cash giveaway by Loch Ness Rotary Club which was worth thousands of pounds this year, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its charter.
It teamed up with the Highland News to run the programme, aimed at grassroots causes rather than the bigger high-profile charities. Each month, a lucky group, individual or charity in the Inverness area received a cash boost of £300 to put to good use.
Yvonne Stewart, chairperson of the South Kessock association, said: "It's absolutely fantastic. The presents will give the children that little bit extra to enjoy.
"They were all very excited about the party, and getting an extra present was a complete surprise.
"With times so hard at the moment and things being so expensive, it is just wonderful.
"Last year the children received a selection box each, but at the grotto this year they got that, an extra present as well as crisps, fruit and some sweeties.
"It has helped everyone, the children and their parents, and others in the area, really get into the Christmas spirit."
Yvonne (58) has been part of the association for 10 years and worked with four other committee members to create a special Christmas atmosphere for this year's party.
She said: "We turn an entire room at the centre into a winter grotto. The children come in, and they are able to tell Santa what they want."
Yvonne admitted she was surprised and delighted to hear that they had been chosen to receive the boost.
"The donation really came out of the blue. It is very special to have this happen at this time of year," she said.
"Of course, it if had happened at any other time, we would have been just as thrilled!"
George MacRae, past president of the Loch Ness club, said: "Speaking on behalf of the club members, I know that we are all delighted to be able to make a contribution to the Christmas Grotto at South Kessock by supplying some fun gifts for Santa to distribute to the children.
"This is the 12th presentation we have made to local worthwhile causes and we couldn't be more pleased that our small contribution to the Christmas Grotto is going to make such a difference to so many children of all ages in the South Kessock community.
"And who better than to hand the presents over on behalf of the Loch Ness Rotary Club than Santa himself - we just hope the kids enjoy the gifts that we have supplied."
