THERE was plenty of festive cheer to go around at Bowhill last weekend as visitors turned out in droves for the Estate’s second Christmas Fair.

The event acted as a double celebration as the results of a vote revealing a new piece of playground equipment were announced.

Members of the public chose a set of cross-scales – a see-saw with raised seats which can be used for energetic jumping and swinging – as the favoured option.

The cross-scales won by a landslide with more than three quarters of the vote, which was conducted via a social media poll.

In addition to the much-anticipated announcement, a host of crafters attended the Fair on Saturday, December 13, selling a range of gifts including vintage crockery, handmade jewellery and homeware, cards and children’s clothing.

Free Nutty the Christmas Squirrel Trails and decoration-making drop-ins proved very popular with the little ones, as did tasty pulled pork rolls and mulled wine for the adults.

Boys and girls enjoyed a special visit from Santa Claus within his traditional grotto, sharing their Christmas wishes ahead of the big day.

Another hit was Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre production, Jack and Billy, which played in the afternoon.

The two classic children’s tales – Jack and the Beanstalk and The Three Billy Goats Gruff – were re-enacted to a fully booked theatre and thoroughly enjoyed by the audience of adults and youngsters alike. Visit www.bowhillhouse.co.uk/ for further information on Bowhill House and Country Estate.