Santa Camelon canal cruise update: Weather conditions impact festive weekend event

The Forth Ports-funded event takes place at Lock 16 in Camelon, from 11am to 2pm on Sunday, December 18 and was going to see Mr Claus arriving promptly onboard the Jaggy Thistle canal barge with plenty of free gifts for youngsters.

Well there will still be free gifts aplenty – but, with the current weather conditions freezing the canal, Santa will be heading indoors to dispense them and bring Christmas joy to all.

A Go Forth and Clyde spokesperson said: “Jack Frost and Elf Shelf were seen in the vicinity of Lock 16 and have frozen over the Forth and Clyde Canal. The Jaggy Thistle Canal Boat is totally frozen in and can’t get out to pick up Santa for his visit to Lock 16 on Sunday.

"But Santa and Mrs Clause are not so easily beaten, and will now arrive by Sleigh at 11 a.m. and will visit with children in the Magic Grotto behind the Union Inn at Lock 16.

“We are supporting the Falkirk Food Bank this year, so if you can please bring tinned or packaged food or toiletries to donate to the food bank.

“A big shout out to the Falkirk Round Table and to the Union Inn for helping Santa save the day.

"And a huge thank you to Forth Ports for their cash donation.”