A new Santa’s grotto in Dundee is bringing the joy of Christmas closer to children with disabilities.
The grotto is the brainchild of Leanne and Gregor Howie, who organised it after becoming frustrated their own daughter was missing out on the season’s magic.
Four-year-old Robyn has a rare condition called charge syndrome which affects one in every 15,000 people, and means communication is a challenge.
The grotto is being hosted by Bears and Buddies Workshop on Union Street from 4pm each day until Thursday, with slots still available for the Wednesday session.
Leanne, 36, said: “We were inspired to start the grotto because of our own daughter’s condition.
“She uses the Makaton method of sign language, like other children with communication difficulties, and we really want her and others to have access to the same Christmas magic as any other child.
“We really appreciate Bears and Buddies hosting the grotto because I actually don’t think we could have done it without their help.”
Owner of the shop, Lauren Arnot, said she decided to help Leanne out after seeing her post online.
“We offered up the use of the shop so that Leanne could organise the grotto and raise money,” she said.
“We are just a small business but we have a really strong social conscience so it’s a great collaboration.”
Leanne started a crowdfunding campaign to get help learning to teach Makaton, which she hopes will improve the lives of many more children.
She is currently sitting on around £1,300 of the £2,000 needed to pay for the course, with all the money raised from the grotto going towards the effort.
Leanne added: “We have noticed the difference in our own daughter now she has these skills and she looks more engaged whereas before, she didn’t get that interaction with Santa.
“I will be able to teach up to 15 people at a time so it really will make a difference to lots of children in the area.”
The Makaton method of sign language has risen to prominence party due to the popularity of CBeebies show Something Special, starring Mr Tumble.
It is mainly used to aid children with learning and communication difficulties and varies slightly from standard British Sign Language.
To donate to Leanne’s campaign, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/HelpTheMakatonGirl
