Little donkey will play nativity-scene role

A NORTH-EAST farm which has Scotland’s largest collection of rare-breed animals will host a live nativity scene this weekend.

The event will be a centrepiece for tomorrow’s Christmas celebrations at Doonies Farm.

A white-faced woodland sheep, a miniature Mediterranean donkey, three lambs and longhorn calves will be joined by local youngsters to recreate the manger moment.

Other attractions will include raffles, games and carols, and children might also be able to catch a glimpse of Santa and his elves.

Katie Morrison, of Stonehaven, a research assistant at RGU’s Aberdeen Business School, has been helping the farm with its business plan since it was bought by the Friends of Doonies group after being threatened with closure as part of Aberdeen City Council’s budget cuts.

She said: “Our goal to run the farm as a social enterprise venture, leading it to become a financially self-sustaining business, is now in sight.

“We hope that this fun-packed Christmas extravaganza will be the first of many events at Doonies which will help to put the farm back at the heart of the community.”

Doonies is located on the coast road near Nigg, south of Aberdeen.

Tomorrow’s event will be held from 1pm and entry costs £2 for adults and £1 for children over five.