Switch-on events start Christmas fun

Photo C. Morrison

Christmas celebrations are in full swing across Harris, now that the community festive lights have been switched on in both Leverburgh and Tarbert.

In Tarbert, residents gathered on Monday, December 1 to sing carols around the village Christmas tree at its new location outside the Deli. The rain held off just long enough for the big switch-on, when the light show was activated remotely by nine-year-old Lydia - with a little help from Mickey Mouse and a minion.

The Community Centre provided shelter and an opportunity for Christmas card-making once the downpour started, and hot choco-late from the Deli was a warming treat.

This year, the Tarbert lights cover an even greater area, with the decorations stretching from the Post Office through Main Street and Pier Road and past the fire station to Sir E Scott school.

In Leverburgh, a day of festivities on Saturday December 6 included cookie decorating and a visit to the Hub from Father Christmas and his friends Elf and Polar Bear.

Later, the community gathered around the famous creel tree at the Clachan community shop, for the light switch-on and fireworks – with the return of a jolly special guest who arrived by fire engine.

Photo: K MacLeod

This winter’s light displays across the island have been possible thanks to support from the local business community and contribu-tions from the Western Isles Lifestyle Lottery.