Santa will bring festive joy to an Ayrshire estate rocked by a devastating explosion this year.
Residents of Kincaidston in Ayr have gone through a rough couple of months.
A blast in Gorse Park in October ripped through four houses and in the weeks following fear spread over ‘gas leaks’.
But one kind hearted member of the community is hoping he can spread some Christmas magic and lift spirits.
Scott Devin brought Santa to Kincaidston last year to bring smiles to faces during the coronavirus pandemic.
Now, he is gearing up to don the big red suit again with his second stint as St Nick carrying even more importance.
Scott, 34, told Ayrshire Live: “We need that little bit of cheer, we have had a real tough time here in Kincaidston this year.
“We had Covid last year, this year there has been a recovery from the pandemic and then the horrendous explosion, we are not back to normal life again yet.”
Scott, who stays just yards away from ground zero in Gorse Park was evacuated in the aftermath of the blast on October 18, and his home only had some minimal damage.
And Scott admits he had reservations about lighting up his house.
He said: “I live in Heather Park which goes onto the back of Gorse Park, the blast was just five doors down from me.
“I even thought for a moment it might be a bit disrespectful to put the decorations up.
“But the kids love seeing the lights, it brightens up the street.
“Up until now the only lights that lit up Kincaidston were the generator lights where the blast site is, this is about taking everyone’s mind off it, and bringing festive joy.”
By the time Scott takes to the road on a truck as Santa it will be a day past three months since the night of chaos.
And Santa will not come empty handed with a host of donations made from Kincaidston Community Centre, Morrisons and Asda in Ayr so no child goes without.
Scott added: ““Last year was amazing, this year the community needs Santa.
“It is going to become a bit of tradition, I’m here for the long haul.
“The excitement is just brilliant, the van will go round every street, every family and every child will get a glimpse of Santa.
“The community has come together since the explosion, it has been a horrible experience but it has brought out the best in everyone.
“The donations we have had will ensure Santa has got plenty of presents to go around, I for one know he is buzzing to get out there again.”
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