Merchiston Castle School, Scotland’s leading all-boys independent boarding and day school, has announced the return of its annual ‘Very Merchiston Christmas Fair’, with the addition of a special Forest School ‘Winter Wonderland’ on 2 December.
Following on from last year’s success, Merchiston’s Christmas Fair will again be held in the school’s remarkable Memorial Hall, where a selection of high-quality, local businesses will display their very best wares.
Expect incredible jewellery from Jewel Tree Edinburgh, sample delicious spirits from Cairns Whisky and South Loch Gin, warming scents from the Edinburgh Candlemaker Company and festive foods from 181 Delicatessen all the while soaking up the festive atmosphere in the beautifully decorated Memorial Hall.
Last year, £1,433 was raised for the Braidburn School through suggested ticket donations and participation in Merchiston’s charity raffle.
This year, the school is raising funds in support of Edinburgh Food Project, a local charity that supplies food to people in crisis, while seeking to address the underlying causes of food poverty. A charity raffle will take place on the day, with visitors invited to donate at the door.
In addition to the Very Merchiston Christmas Fair, guests can also visit The Forest at Merchiston’s Winter Wonderland for families with young children. Held on the school’s wooded grounds, the immersive experience for families interested in attending The Forest from 2024, will include a variety of engaging and interactive activities for little ones to enjoy, such as making reindeer food and creating their very own Christmas decorations. Here, families can explore the enchanting woodlands, and learn more about Merchiston’s new educational offering, the much-anticipated Forest School which is due to open in September 2024.
Jonathan Anderson, Headmaster of Merchiston said:
“Merchiston’s Christmas Fair is the perfect way to herald in the festive season and pick up some exceptional gifts in the process.
“All are welcome as we celebrate Christmas while remembering it is a time for charity and giving too. We are very pleased to be raising funds for the Edinburgh Food Project so Christmas can be bright for many.”
Davina Bowers, Head of The Forest at Merchiston, added:
“The Forest’s Winter Wonderland promises to be a lot of fun for families and little ones, with a variety of hands-on activities and games to take part in.
“I am really looking forward to welcoming families to the Forest Winter Wonderland this December, and to give them a feel for what the Forest approach entails. It will be the event of the season!”
A ‘Very Merchiston Christmas Fair’ will take place on 2 December between 10am – 2pm in Merchiston’s Memorial Hall. Tickets are available via Eventbrite here and are free of charge.
The ‘Forest Winter Wonderland’ will take place in parallel with the Christmas Fair. Booking can be done here.