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CAROLLERS in Fortrose have helped to raise a record-breaking sum for local community groups and charities after a large turnout for the town's traditional Carols in the Cathedral.

Collection buckets circulated the cathedral grounds during the Christmas Eve event, raising a whopping £710.40p.

Delighted organisers have thanked those who donated and those who helped out at the festivities, which saw young and old drawn venture along a candelit path to the sounds of music from inside Fortrose Cathedral.

Families and friends from near and far collected around the medieval building with torches and music sheets at the ready.

Community Council chairman Tom Heath and musicians Aileen Fraser and Isobel Paterson were ready to strike a chord whilst Mr Heath encouraged adults and children to sing loudly up to the rafters.

Organisers wish to also thank Morris and Wilma F Downie, Brian and Barbara Jones and Mary Galloway.

"Expectation was for Santa Clause to arrive later but that evening Santa Claus was already there, sitting on the St Boniface sandstone bench; a duvet at his feet for youngsters to sit on, or on his knee, to whisper the request of the morning," said a spokesman.

"‘Jingle bells’ signalled the children to follow Santa into the main building to collect a small present and for others to draw close to the spirit of Christmas- a man with white hair and beard and a red coat. Magic.

"We look forward to next year."

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