Pint-sized postie

A pint-sized “postie” has been joining colleagues on their rounds in Alford to help spread a little joy throughout the Aberdeenshire community. 

‘Wee Dave’ the crochet bear was gifted to a poorly member of the team at Alford Delivery Office a few weeks ago and has been going on adventures all across the village and surrounding communities ever since. 

Complete with a tiny face mask and full uniform, the bear has been helping children to understand the importance of social distancing and other measures taken by colleagues during the ongoing lockdown. 

Wee Dave has had his photo taken all around Alford and nearby destinations while he helps his fellow postmen and women on their rounds, including deliveries at Tough, Keig, Towie and Montgarrie. 

And he’s already put his stamp on social media, with more than 800 Facebook fans following his journeys from all across Scotland, and as far away as New Zealand, Las Vegas and Afghanistan. 

Carol Walker, delivery office manager at Aberdeen Mail Centre, said Wee Dave and his colleagues have all been following strict hygiene rules – and the bear gets a wash every night to make sure he’s clean. 

‘We started taking photos of Wee Dave and his antics to send to a colleague, who isn’t very well at the moment, and had the idea to share him with everyone on a Facebook page,’ she said. 

‘Each member of staff over the week has been taking him out on their rounds and taking photos of him with beautiful scenery, children waving, local businesses and other stuff people can’t see from their homes. 

‘Wee Dave gets sanitised after each child picks him up for a photo, and we make a point of showing the kids that if Wee Dave washes his hands, then they should too. It’s a nice way of getting the message across.

‘Alford posties would like to thank the local community for their support and appreciation over the past month. All the posters in your windows and chalk drawings on the pavements really do make our day.’