by Fraser from Inverness asks Santa about his beard, learns about Loch Ness, and hears about Inverness’s role as gateway to the Scottish Highlands
Dear Santa, my name is Fraser and I am nine years old. I live in Inverness, Scotland, where my granda says a very deep, very famous loch sits just outside our city, and everyone has their own theory about what might live in it.
Dear Fraser, I have flown over that particular loch many times myself, and I try to remain diplomatically neutral about the theories.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, does Santa have a beard? My little sister wants to know if it is real or if you glue it on each year.
It is entirely real, Fraser, grown patiently over many, many years. No glue required, though it does take proper daily care to keep it looking its best.
My second question is about Loch Ness. My teacher says it is one of the deepest lakes in all of Scotland. Is that true?
It is, Fraser. Loch Ness is remarkably deep, holding more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined, and it has fascinated visitors for generations. Flying over its dark, still surface each Christmas Eve is genuinely atmospheric.
My third question is about the Highlands. My teacher says Inverness is considered the gateway to the whole region. Is that true?
It is true, Fraser. Inverness serves as the main gateway to the Scottish Highlands, a dramatic landscape of mountains, glens, and lochs. Flying over that rugged terrain each Christmas Eve is one of the most beautiful parts of my Scottish route.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Fraser Mackay
Inverness, Scotland
P.S. Have you ever seen anything unusual in the loch?
I keep that observation to myself, Fraser, purely out of professional discretion.
