Xmas tree is back!

‘It’s fantastic to be coming back to the Hilltown area’

THE Christmas spirit has arrived in the Hilltown with a tree returning to the area for the first time in a decade.

The lights switch-on event is due to take place on December 8 but the tree was being installed today to give local businesses time to decorate it.

The tree has been arranged by the Coldside Community Forum with help from Hilltown shops and the local community.

The tree was being set up on a site beside Yorkes butchers in a fenced-off area that allows it to be seen by the public while also being in a secure spot.

The event will start at 6.15pm and will see the community coming together for the first time since 2010 for a local Christmas gathering.

It has been even longer since there was a tree set up, with Jimmy Black estimating that it has been 10 years at least.

Mr Black said: “It’s fantastic to hear the tree is coming back.

“It’s been at least 10 years since there was one and it’s great for the community.”

Jennifer Livingstone, community worker for the Coldside Community Forum, said the tree was only possible because of the positive response of local businesses and their kind offers.

She said: “Peco Electrics are giving us some lights, as are Maplin on the Kingsway, to decorate the tree and Yorkes are providing us with electricity as it will be next door.

“Lesley’s (sandwich shop) has offered to give out tea and coffee on the night and we’re still hoping others will get involved.”

Toni Arbuckle, office administrator at Yorkes, said the butchers were excited about being involved and couldn’t wait to see the tree go up.

She added: “I don’t remember there being a tree on Hilltown before but it’s a great idea. It brings us all together and helps to bring the Christmas spirit to the Hilltown. We’re definitely looking forward to it and it will be my birthday on the day too — so lots to celebrate. We’re all very excited about an evening that will be great fun.”

Margaret Wemyss, chairwoman of the Coldside Community Forum, said she was pleased to see the event involving the local traders and boosting their role in the community.

She added: “It’s great to see this event for the community but also the local businesses.”

Ready and waiting for the Christmas tree’s arrival are (from left) Martin Duthie (Highwayman management group), Margaret Wemyss and Jennifer Livingstone (Coldside Community Forum), and Roslyn Bryceland and Frank Robertson (Hilltown Regeneration Forum).

Jimmy Black and Yorkes Butchers.