Midlothian parents have been left gutted after a sold out Santa's Grotto event, due to run today at Dalkeith Country Park, was cancelled at the last minute.
Parents paid up to £17.50 a ticket for the popular event, which was scheduled to take place between the 28 November and 23 December, with visitors promised an indoor Santa's Grotto experience at the park, including a photo with Mr Clause.
But last night locals were left disappointed when Dalkeith Country Park announced they would have to cancel because new Scottish Government guidance states "that there should be no indoor Santa experiences in Level three areas."
The statement read:"PLEASE READ IF YOU'RE BOOKED INTO SANTA'S GROTTO TOMORROW, SATURDAY 28TH NOVEMBER.
"We are very sorry to post this message at this late hour however unfortunately the Scottish Government has issued brand new guidance early this evening which states that there should be no indoor Santa experiences in Level 3 areas.
"Midlothian is currently in Level 3, which means that very sadly that any bookings for Saturday 28th November will not be able to go ahead.
"We understand that this will be extremely disappointing for you and your little ones, particularly at such short notice, but we obviously have no choice other than to follow the Government guidelines.
"So what does this mean for your booking? Tomorrow we are looking into alternative options and we will be in touch once we know how to proceed.
"We may be able to move the Grotto outside and transfer your booking, subject to availability.
"We may be able to record a video message from Santa. In the future, if Midlothian moves to a Level 2, we would be allowed to operate the Grotto indoors again and we could arrange a transfer of date for you if you wished to be placed on a waiting list.
"If none of this can happen or is suitable for you we will be able to transfer your booking to next year or give you a refund.
"We will be in touch to confirm your choices in due course."
Many frustrated parents hit out at the news, with one person writing: "How do I tell my four year old son who won’t stop asking when he’s meeting Santa today that Santa meet isn’t happening."
Another added: "What nonsense! Two heartbroken boys here questioning what they’ve done wrong for Santa not to want to see them! - I only told them we were going last night before bed!"
"Kids will be gutted," added another.
Another parent added: "Surely Santa can have a Covid test and wear a mask and the kids could collect gifts out of Christmas bin or table - as if the kids haven't done without enough."
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"Getting ridiculous," added another, "Next to nothing for children now but ok for adults to go here, there and everywhere, no reason it couldn’t be done safely. So sorry for you guys, the kids and all other affected businesses."
