As Edinburgh hosts one of UK’s most popular Christmas markets, the city’s tram operator is joining forces with organisers to provide sensory backpacks for children and adults who might find the festive environment overwhelming, ensuring a magical, stress-free experience.
Edinburgh Trams is set to donate dozens of its popular squeezy tram toys for inclusion in special backpacks put together by Unique Assembly. The backpacks, which contain ear defenders, fidget spinners, and chewable toys, are free to borrow and can be collected from Information Points at Edinburgh’s Christmas without pre-booking. All contents can be taken home after the visit except that Edinburgh’s Christmas is asking for borrowers to return the bag and the children’s ear defenders (which will be thoroughly sanitised).
Lea Harrison, the tram operator’s Managing Director, commented:
We’re delighted to be able to work with Unique Assembly to help those with sensory overload conditions to make the most of the festive season in the city.
The sensory backpacks and their squeezy trams will certainly make one of the city’s top seasonal attractions a little more neuroinclusive. Meanwhile, our full-size vehicles will be operating every day, except Christmas day itself, and late into the evening to provide stress-free travel between the airport and the city centre.
Dani Rae and Al Thomson of Unique Assembly added:
We are grateful to Edinburgh Trams for generously providing squeezy trams for our sensory backpacks. It’s really important to us that Edinburgh’s Christmas is as inclusive as possible so that everyone can enjoy their visit and enter the festive spirit. Our sensory backpacks are free to use for anyone who would find them beneficial, to allow them to enjoy the market and attractions in comfort.
Scotland’s capital city is home to a series of attractions and events over the winter, and its award-winning tram network offers swift and convenient travel to get around, while saving a few pounds to spend on seasonal treats!
Priced at just £7.50, the operator’s "Family Day Tripper” ticket allows unlimited travel from any stop between Ingliston Park & Ride and St Andrew Square, for up to two adults and three children.
This ticket and other fantastic tram travel deals can be purchased from edinburghticket.com, before being downloaded onto a smart device or printed out to show Edinburgh Trams’ friendly staff.
