Sick children from across Scotland have enjoyed a magical Christmas trip on their very own Polar Express.
Around 100 children with life-threatening illnesses were whisked away with their families on a luxury train to visit Santa at Glamis Castle.
Almost 70 families boarded the Belmond Northern Belle — sister train to the Orient Express — at Edinburgh’s Waverley station for the trip across the Forth and Tay to Dundee.
They were then taken to the 600-year-old Angus landmark to explore the grand rooms of the family seat of the earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, enjoy a four-course Christmas dinner and disco before a spectacular firework display.
The youngsters, who were welcomed to the historic castle by Mary, Dowager Countess of Strathmore, even had the opportunity to make a Christmas wish to Santa and meet some of his reindeer.
UK charity When You Wish Upon A Star organised the trip to give the children something to look forward to during arduous periods of sickness and treatment.
The train passengers included a number of Courier Country youngsters battling conditions including leukaemia.
The charity has been running similar trips for sick children for around 25 years.
Last year, a group were given the opportunity to visit Lapland, something many hospital-bound children missed out on.
Fundraising manager Margaret Rowarth said: “This year we decided to do something a little bit different for those children who couldn’t make it.
“We thought about where we could take them that was so magical and beautiful that would equate to that same feeling when you go to Lapland. This was just the perfect place.
“We approached Glamis Castle and asked if it was something they would let us do and they just welcomed us with open arms.”
She added: “There’s no charge, they’ve helped us no end with different things, all the rooms were decorated, we’ve decorated Santa’s grotto — they said we could do what we want to do in any of the rooms.
“It’s just wonderful to have them all here together, to have something they can talk about for years to come.”
Father-of-three Craig Ewing, whose eight-year-old Amber is receiving treatment for leukaemia at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, said the feeling of togetherness was what he appreciated the most.
He said: “It’s an amazing place and an amazing journey.
“They’ve involved her brother and sister who are a big part of Amber’s life.
“To have days like this for all children and parents near Christmas is really good.
“It’s been a difficult year for the family but it actually brings everyone together.
“It’s amazing the support you get through the close network of your friends and other people you don’t even know.
“People are here that we haven’t even met and everyone is in the same boat — you can see then that you’re not alone.”
