A group of disabled youngsters have taken to the ice in the heart of a Moray town for a special skating session.
Forres charity Friendly Access organised the event in Elgin for children who would normally be unable to participate in the magical Christmas setting.
The bright sparkling lights were dimmed and the capacity reduced, so that youngsters in wheelchairs and with conditions including autism were able to enjoy themselves.
After some initially tentative moments on the rink, the youngsters soon built up momentum and skated solo with support from staff.
Forres mother Pauline McWalter watched on as her children Ewan, 4, Jack, 7, and Amy, 10, built up their confidence.
She said: “As a family, we’re normally not able to access these sorts of things because they’re too busy or whatever.
“It’s brilliant to have it in Elgin. It’s about as Christmassy as you’re going to get and nice to have people here who understand what the children need.”
About a dozen youngsters were wrapped up warm against the bracing wind to glide across the outdoor ice rink.
Light from the town centre Christmas decorations sparkled in the trees as shoppers buying gifts admired the sight.
Glyn Morris, chief executive of Friendly Access, added: “We’re always looking for organisations to come forward to run sessions like this – and we can assist them too.
“When the ice rink was being put up in Elgin it was one of those lightbulb moments and we thought we have to do something for it.
“Just by making small adjustments, such as lowering the lights slightly, we’ve been able to make a huge impact for the children and allowed them to join in a real festive event.”
Jon Behari, director of Elgin Ice Festival, which is hosting the sessions, said: “I’m a real believer that it doesn’t matter whether your abilities are privileged or not.
“Anybody can go onto the ice and love it. It is all about escapism and creating experiences for people which they will remember.”
Friendly Access is running more accessible sessions at the ice rink on Friday, December 30 at 5pm and Saturday, January 7 at 11am.
