The festive season in Kinross has been overshadowed by news of a local man, previously deeply involved in community life, being removed from his long-standing role as Santa Claus. William Freeman, a well-known figure in Kinross, will no longer be donning the iconic red suit after being found guilty of a serious sexual assault.
Details emerging from the case reveal that Freeman was convicted of sexually assaulting and harassing a woman during his employment at a Fife hospital, with incidents occurring between 2022 and 2025. The court’s judgment led to a sentence requiring him to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work. Furthermore, a stringent consequence of his conviction is his registration as a sex offender for the next five years, a measure that underscores the gravity of his actions.
Prior to these revelations, Freeman had carved out a significant presence within the Kinross community. His engagement spanned various local groups, where his volunteer efforts were widely recognised. Among his most cherished contributions was his portrayal of Santa Claus for The Rotary Club of Kinross and District. In this capacity, he regularly participated in Christmas festivities, including special events at Rachel House, bringing joy to many local children and families across Kinross-shire.
However, the Rotary Club of Kinross and District has confirmed immediate and decisive action. A spokesperson for the club issued the following statement: “William Freeman will not be a Santa for the club’s Christmas activities. We have replaced him with an alternative volunteer. William Freeman will have no further association with the Rotary Club of Kinross and District.” This means that his anticipated appearances, which included a scheduled event in Milnathort on November 28, and a further seven engagements throughout Kinross-shire up to December 14, have all been cancelled, with new volunteers stepping in to ensure the traditions continue without him.
Beyond his seasonal role, Freeman’s influence stretched into local governance. He had served as a Kinross community councillor for nearly two decades, even holding the esteemed position of the council’s vice-chair. A representative for Kinross Community Council has since verified that he has resigned from this public office, effectively severing ties with yet another significant local institution. Community Groups Respond to Freeman’s Departure
The ramifications of Freeman’s conviction have prompted other community organisations in Kinross to re-evaluate and, ultimately, end their associations with him. Kinross Local Event Organisation (KLEO), of which he was a member, released a statement acknowledging the conviction. Initially, KLEO announced that their committee would convene after the festive market to discuss his future involvement. They stated: “In light of William Freeman’s conviction for sexual harassment, which we heard about for the first time yesterday morning, the KLEO committee will meet after the festive market to discuss his future as a member of KLEO. Our chair has spoken with him today and we can confirm that he has agreed not to attend the festive market at the campus this Saturday.” Subsequently, a KLEO spokesperson confirmed that Freeman has officially resigned from the group, indicating a swift and clear separation.
Similarly, Light Up Kinross, an organisation vital to the town’s festive decorations and atmosphere, also issued a public statement. They confirmed: “Light Up Kinross wish to announce that William Freeman has stepped back from all association with LUK as from midnight tonight. The position of chair will be filled on a temporary basis until LUK’s next AGM.” This ensures that leadership roles in crucial community initiatives remain stable amidst these unexpected changes.
Adding to the list of affected affiliations, Freeman was also the vice-chair of the Kinross and District Town Twinning Association. This position has now been filled by another individual following their recent Annual General Meeting, demonstrating a collective effort by local groups to ensure continuity and integrity in their operations. The rapid response from these organisations highlights the serious nature of the conviction and their commitment to upholding community standards and safeguarding public trust, particularly in roles that interact with vulnerable members of society or represent the spirit of the festive season.
This sequence of events has undoubtedly left a mark on the Kinross community, particularly as residents prepare for the Christmas period. The swift and transparent actions by local organisations reflect a commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy environment for all, even in the face of challenging circumstances. It serves as a reminder of the profound impact individuals in positions of community trust can have, and the collective resolve to address issues when that trust is breached.
Details emerging from the case reveal that Freeman was convicted of sexually assaulting and harassing a woman during his employment at a Fife hospital, with incidents occurring between 2022 and 2025. The court’s judgment led to a sentence requiring him to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work. Furthermore, a stringent consequence of his conviction is his registration as a sex offender for the next five years, a measure that underscores the gravity of his actions.
Prior to these revelations, Freeman had carved out a significant presence within the Kinross community. His engagement spanned various local groups, where his volunteer efforts were widely recognised. Among his most cherished contributions was his portrayal of Santa Claus for The Rotary Club of Kinross and District. In this capacity, he regularly participated in Christmas festivities, including special events at Rachel House, bringing joy to many local children and families across Kinross-shire.
However, the Rotary Club of Kinross and District has confirmed immediate and decisive action. A spokesperson for the club issued the following statement: “William Freeman will not be a Santa for the club’s Christmas activities. We have replaced him with an alternative volunteer. William Freeman will have no further association with the Rotary Club of Kinross and District.” This means that his anticipated appearances, which included a scheduled event in Milnathort on November 28, and a further seven engagements throughout Kinross-shire up to December 14, have all been cancelled, with new volunteers stepping in to ensure the traditions continue without him.
Beyond his seasonal role, Freeman’s influence stretched into local governance. He had served as a Kinross community councillor for nearly two decades, even holding the esteemed position of the council’s vice-chair. A representative for Kinross Community Council has since verified that he has resigned from this public office, effectively severing ties with yet another significant local institution. Community Groups Respond to Freeman’s Departure
The ramifications of Freeman’s conviction have prompted other community organisations in Kinross to re-evaluate and, ultimately, end their associations with him. Kinross Local Event Organisation (KLEO), of which he was a member, released a statement acknowledging the conviction. Initially, KLEO announced that their committee would convene after the festive market to discuss his future involvement. They stated: “In light of William Freeman’s conviction for sexual harassment, which we heard about for the first time yesterday morning, the KLEO committee will meet after the festive market to discuss his future as a member of KLEO. Our chair has spoken with him today and we can confirm that he has agreed not to attend the festive market at the campus this Saturday.” Subsequently, a KLEO spokesperson confirmed that Freeman has officially resigned from the group, indicating a swift and clear separation.
Similarly, Light Up Kinross, an organisation vital to the town’s festive decorations and atmosphere, also issued a public statement. They confirmed: “Light Up Kinross wish to announce that William Freeman has stepped back from all association with LUK as from midnight tonight. The position of chair will be filled on a temporary basis until LUK’s next AGM.” This ensures that leadership roles in crucial community initiatives remain stable amidst these unexpected changes.
Adding to the list of affected affiliations, Freeman was also the vice-chair of the Kinross and District Town Twinning Association. This position has now been filled by another individual following their recent Annual General Meeting, demonstrating a collective effort by local groups to ensure continuity and integrity in their operations. The rapid response from these organisations highlights the serious nature of the conviction and their commitment to upholding community standards and safeguarding public trust, particularly in roles that interact with vulnerable members of society or represent the spirit of the festive season.
This sequence of events has undoubtedly left a mark on the Kinross community, particularly as residents prepare for the Christmas period. The swift and transparent actions by local organisations reflect a commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy environment for all, even in the face of challenging circumstances. It serves as a reminder of the profound impact individuals in positions of community trust can have, and the collective resolve to address issues when that trust is breached.