The Calton Area Association has delivered ‘Santa Surprise’ parcels to 200 senior citizen tenants of Thenue Housing.

The Christmas bonus for seniors came about after the Calton Area Association had to abandon much of its usual festivities due to restrictions - opting instead for the direct approach with the parcels.

They contained a calendar, mine pies, shortbread, sweets and other goodies designed to spread festive cheer.

Calton Area Association chairperson Betty Cosgrove said: “We feel very privileged to have been able to help as we work with so many wonderful other organisations to tackle the effects of the pandemic.

“Calton Area Association always put our community first and none of this work could have been achieved without the support – both financially and in kind - we have received from a range of groups and volunteers.”

Vice chair Mary MacPherson added: “We want to take this opportunity of wishing everyone a happy and safe Christmas and a wonderful New Year from us all at Calton Area Association.”

Throughout the year the Association has been working closely with Thenue Housing and the Calton Heritage and Learning Centre to minimise the effects of the pandemic on local people.

Efforts by many local groups included a daily delivery of soup and sandwiches to isolated and older people, afternoon teas during the summer and activity packs to beat the lockdown boredom.

Volunteer gardeners known as the Green Volunteers even delivered seeds and compost to homes during the summer so gardening could be undertaken.

*One survivor of the ongoing restrictions is the annual Christmas tree which was erected – this time without a ceremony or crowd – at Bain Square near the Barras market.