A Christmas hating Scottish Borders Council official has banned local schools from taking part in a long running Christmas Card competition.
Each year local MP John Lamont and Rachael Hamilton MSP invite pupils across the Scottish Borders to submit designs for their annual Christmas Card.
The competition has been run by John Lamont for the past twelve years. Last year, John and Rachael teamed up to run a joint competition.
Hundreds of primary and secondary school pupils enter each year, with the winner and runners up presented with a prize. Prizes have included mountain bikes, digital cameras, electric scooters and lego sets, which are donated by local businesses.
However, a mean Scottish Borders Council official has this year told schools they cannot enter this festive competition.
The reason for this decision is unclear as the Council have not contacted either John or Rachael about it.
In response, John and Rachael have said the competition will continue and are encouraging young people in the Borders to enter anyway.
Commenting, John Lamont MP said: “Running my annual Christmas Card competition is a highlight of my year – it’s always great to see the look on the face of the winner when they get their new bike, electric scooter or favourite toy.
“I’m not sure what objection someone has taken to this competition, which I’ve run problem free for years. No one at Scottish Borders Council has explained it to me.
“I’d like to assure all the young people in the Borders that Christmas will not be cancelled, despite this mean-spirited move.
“We’ve moved the deadline for entries to Friday 23rd November, so I’d encourage pupils in the Borders to think creatively, get out your colouring pencils and glitter pens and send an entry in anyway.”
Rachael Hamilton MSP said: “Last year, Alfie from Kirkhope Primary School was beaming from ear to ear after winning our annual Christmas competition.
“Surely our local authority doesn’t want to be like the Grinch and steal Christmas from our young creative school pupils who are brimming with festive inspiration, ideas and imagination.
“Perhaps the fairies and elves can sprinkle some Christmas cheer over the bah-humbug official.”
Ends
Entries can be sent to:
John Lamont MP & Rachael Hamilton MSP Christmas Card Competition
25 High Street,
Hawick
TD9 9BU
The new deadline for entries is Friday 23rd November.