After a break of two years, The Skye Santa Dash will make its return this December with organisers promising it will be 'shinier, brighter and more twinkly than ever'. This festive fun day is guaranteed to get everyone in the festive mood, as well as burn off a few calories before the excesses of Christmas dinner.

The Santa Dash will start and finish at Somerled Square in the centre of Portree and involves a 1.75 mile route that is suitable for everyone. If you want to involve the whole family then there is also the Yuletide Stroll which is suitable for those with restrictions to speed and mobility, very young elves, walkers and those with walking aids.

To get the party off with a swing, this year you can purchase a Santa suit when you register for just £5.99, although organisers have said that in the spirit of recycling participants can feel free to use suits from previous years, or get up-cycling and creative at home, they recently commented on Facebook: "We look forward to seeing your Santas and Elves in all their sparkly glory – but remember, they must be safe to run in!"

This year the Santa Dash will be raising funds for the RNLI station in Portree. Established in 1991 on the Eastern Side of the town, with a Trent Class all weather life boat, the lifeboat team put themselves at risk all year round to keep the island community safe.

This really will be a fun-filled festive extravaganza - there will be hospitality, baubles, special surprises and prizes for best dressed runners. And this year there’ll be a 'woofingly' brilliant Santa Paws parade – all furry four-legged friends most welcome.

Last word over to organisers: "We’d love to see you at the Dash. Bring your kids, bring your friends and family – and remember there’s a team option. Let’s have a really fun morning and fill the pathways with a crimson and evergreen tide of Santas & Santa’s helpers."

If you'd like to know more then visit the event website here. 

Image: Skye Events/Skye Santa Dash