Kids on flight to hunt for Santa

Beth Watson, six, and Fraser Watson, seven, in the cockpit with Captain Ian Barclay and Gerry Lynch. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Thanks to a competition run jointly by Edinburgh Airport and the Evening News, the festive flight with 25 lucky children, as well as their families and friends, tried to hunt down the elusive gift-giver all over Scotland.

And despite not spotting him in the air, the search was not in vain – with Father Christmas waiting for the delighted youngsters at the Hilton when they returned to the airport.

The children had been  nominated for the treat by friends and carers, with the winners chosen from hundreds of entries.

They included youngsters with disabilities and those battling serious illness, as well as pupils with a glowing school report.

Anna Light, head of engagement at Edinburgh Airport, said: “This was a great opportunity for us to give over a hundred children a Christmas treat. Our flight flew all over Scotland, from Perth to Inverness and back.

“Ryanair flies a special Santa flight every year and this year it was our chance to be the host airport. It was a fantastic day and we’re delighted to have had the opportunity to give some very deserving children an extra special start to the  festive season.”