MUSSELBURGH is to get a Santa’s grotto at this year’s Christmas market, organised by the town’s community council.

The group has joined with members of the Musselburgh Shed Project to work together on the festive structure, which will have pride of place at the event outside the Old Town Hall.

Santa usually visits the market and community councillors discussed the possibility of having a grotto for him this year.

Member Holly Kilday approached the shed project to see if those involved would be willing to build one and they were delighted to support the initiative.

Irene Tait, chairwoman of Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council, said that the shed would be brought to High Street in flat pack and would be assembled in time for the arrival of Santa to the market on December 2.

She said: “It is great to get help from everyone at the shed project and we hope as many people as possible will turn out to enjoy the market.”

Families will get in free-of-charge to meet Santa and there will be a variety of festive stalls at the market, which will take place from 11am to 3.30pm. Stallholders can still apply to take part via the community council’s Facebook page and website, or by contacting Sharon Brown, owner of Blueberry gift shop on High Street.

The event will be followed by a torchlight parade from the Old Town Hall, starting at 6pm. It will make its way to The Brunton where a carol service will be held and the town’s Christmas lights switched on by the cast of The Brunton’s panto Jack and the Beanstalk.

Mark Coull, development worker with STRiVE, the volunteering network, said the shed project was “developing considerably” and would welcome new members, including women.

Meetings take place on Tuesdays from 2pm to 4pm at the shed in the grounds of Loretto RC Church.

Mr Coull said: “Tuesdays are going from strength to strength and there are now 15 members of the shed, with more expansion still happening with the group.

“There is a desire to have a second day to continue to work on projects such as the Santa’s grotto. The members of the Musselburgh Shed Project are happy to support local community groups and will do their best within their capacity to support as many groups as they can. They are enjoying the challenge and are looking forward to seeing the grotto completed and in place.”

A kurling and social group meeting is also held in the church hall from 2.15pm to 4pm on Tuesdays, with everyone welcome. Kurling is a form of the original curling sport but adapted so that it can be played indoors on any smooth, flat surface.