Window wonderland
Streets throughout Rutherglen and Cambuslang have been going window shopping this festive season to aid good causes.
A number of residents have been decorating their windows with festive displays for the second year of Rutherglen Wonderful Winter Windows.
The idea came from local woman Natalie McKee, who wanted to come up with something last year to make the winter more fun for her kids.
She thought getting locals to decorate their windows with Christmas-themed displays would be fun, while a website provided details of a trail to follow to see as many designs as possible.
The idea soon spread and scores of people got involved, with even more taking part this year. A multitude of designs featured everything from traditional Nativity scenes to classic films like Elf, Scrooged and Home Alone, and even political ones that mocked the alleged Christmas party held by staff at Downing Street.
However, there is a more serious side to the fun too, with many homes also having donation boxes outside for items that could go to the Rutherglen and Cambuslang Foodbank, while there was also a toy appeal early in December to benefit the Rain or Shine South Lanarkshire community hub and the St Vincent de Paul charity.
A delighted Natalie said: “It’s been really good. We had quite a few new ones this year, and it’s nice seeing these wee pockets, or wee clusters, on a street getting involved now.
“We did the toy appeal right at the start then we’ve had donation boxes right through until Christmas Eve for the foodbank. I’m not sure the total number handed in, but we’ve a Facebook group and there were plenty of pictures of people taking boxes and boxes there.
“It’s turned into a really lovely thing at Christmas. A lot of it is word of mouth, so hopefully we’ll spread the word further next year, and if anyone else wants to join in next year then the more the merrier.”
Support for the initiative came from MG Architecture and Ability
Fitness, who both sponsored the website about the event, while Strawberry and Dipped sponsored prizes for the three windows judged to be the best, with each winner receiving a sweet treat.
The winners were an Alice in Wonderland design on Watson Avenue, a Save the Winter Gardens themed design on Balvaird Drive and a Home Alone inspired creation on Parkhill Drive.