Faculty members and staff help bring Christmas joy to Glenrothes families

A collection of presents, treats and more than £2,000 in cash was organised by Maria Maguire QC, and a van-load of goods was delivered to the family support charity, Home-Start Glenrothes.

“Parents had been coming to us in tears, worried about what they were going to do at Christmas,” said Janie Tydeman, of Home-Start Glenrothes.

“We were able to reassure them, tell them that presents would be coming, and it meant an awful lot to them and took away so much anxiety. The Faculty has donated so much that every parent has had a present as well. I am completely overwhelmed and it’s just wonderful.

“A typical message came from a mum, aged 17, who texted: ‘Thank goodness for Santa Maria. It has really, really helped me out and I can’t wait to see Ruby’s face on Xmas Day.’”

Ms Maguire said a huge thanks was due to all who donated and helped with the collection.

“Members and staff have truly embraced this cause. I have been moved by their generosity…there was a tremendous desire to change the lives of the families who need help. The collection was a fantastic success,” she added.

In other festive events, the Faculty Choir raised funds for Edinburgh City Mission - £1,915 - at its Christmas carol concert. And the proceeds of sales of the Faculty Christmas card - £1,068 - also went to the mission and the Care Van to assist in their work with the homeless, while staff donned Christmas jumpers and made £126 for Shelter Scotland.