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Christmas babies bring festive joy to Highland parents

Leanne Stewart with baby Skye
Leanne Stewart with baby Skye

Two north families were given an extra special gift early on Christmas morning as they welcomed their new babies into the world.

Two girls were born in the early hours of December 25 at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

First to arrive was baby Skye, who was born at 1.55am to 21-year-old mum Leanne Stewart from the city’s Merkinch area.

She weighed 7lb 4oz and is a new little sister to her brother Junior.

An exhausted but proud Leanne said: “She wasn’t due until January 4 so she’s nine days early.

“It wasn’t a surprise though because I’ve been in and out of hospital for the last two days because I thought my labour was starting.

“I was in and then allowed back home again a few times but she’s here now.

“She hung on for Christmas morning.”

Dad Darren was also present to provide moral support throughout the birth.

It was less of a rush for Catriona Macdonald from Spean Bridge who always knew that her baby was due to arrive on Christmas Day.

Her new daughter was born at 5.20am weighing in at a healthy 7lb 4 1/2oz.

She will be a little sister to Charlie, 18, and Sophia, 12, who are both excited about meeting the new member of the family.

Little Ava Macleod
Little Ava Macleod

Her 45-year-old mum is waiting to speak to her extended family before deciding on her daughter’s name – but revealed yesterday that she had provisionally chosen Ava.

Everything went to plan for the birth, with a nurse remarking that Ms Macdonald had “got her cooking times spot on”.

Catriona said: “It’s been absolutely fine. It’s a bit funny though because both Charlie and Sophia are a good bit older, it feels almost like the first time again.

“I want to speak to them before making the final decision on the name but just now she is Ava.”