A distinctive yellow Search and Rescue helicopter is set to accompany a VIP around Moray primary schools for a final time this Christmas.
RAF Lossiemouth based D Flight of 202 Squadron will be replaced next year by a civilian SAR service – so this month’s annual assistance to Santa Clause will be the final time that the airmen will be offering this particular service.
Schools will be able to see Santa on Thursday, December 18 when he boards a Sea King and conducts a fly-past from 9.40am at Lossiemouth, Forres, Dallas, Elgin, Fochabers and Buckie – taking in schools that the 2013 flight was unable to visit.
Last year several schools served up their own welcome for the VIP in the form of giant words or images on their playgrounds – and this year Mosstowie Primary pupils are planning a similar welcome.
Head Teacher Garry Forgie said: “The children love the Santa flypast, so we are making plans for a big, colourful Christmas message for him and the RAF.
“Making the giant designs gives the children the opportunity to practice planning, and do some measuring and maths, so it’s a good challenge for them too.
“Hopefully we’ll fill the pitch with colour and come up with something special for Santa!”
All fingers – including Santa’s – will remain crossed that the weather or operational reasons allows the special flypast to go ahead.