With his reindeer resting up for their round-the-world marathon trip next week, one north-east lifeboat crew landed the job of ferrying Santa Claus to his grotto.
The big fellow in the red suit made a brief stop in Fraserburgh over the weekend to join local people in the town’s final Super Saturday event of the year – an open-air market promoting businesses across the area.
But to make it to the town in time to meet hundreds of children eager to tell him what they wanted most on Christmas morning, he had to call in the help of his pals aboard the Fraserburgh lifeboat.
Accompanied by two elves and his volunteer crew, Victor Sutherland pulled into the town’s harbour at 10.30am with Santa to a waiting crowd.
Led by the Royal British Legion band, he was given a tour around Fraserburgh before he set up his grotto in Cheers Cafe Bar and Tavern.
Local councillor Charles Buchan said: “I think everybody should believe in Santa – he brought light and joy into people’s hearts.
“It was absolutely marvellous to see so many young people out singing and dancing on Saturday, it really brings out the crowds. And them being there really tells you what the community is about.”
There were also goodies for parents and traders alike during Santa’s visit.
The monthly Super Saturday town market events were shortlisted for a national regeneration award last year.
After spending the day in Fraserburgh, Santa moved on to Macduff where he dived into his part-time job helping staff at the aquarium look after the fish over winter.
And he will appear at the aquarium again this weekend before returning to the North Pole.