Lights are fantastic for so many uses

Get the lighting right in your garden and you will be able to use your outdoor space right through the winter months.

Whether you just need a helping hand getting up the garden path or putting the key in the lock when you get home from work of a winter’s night, choosing the best outdoor lighting can go a long way to making your home a more welcoming and attractive place.

Well-appointed exterior lighting really coming into its own as the long Scottish summer nights fade into autumn.

You might need to light your exterior to ensure you and any visitors have a safe path to your front door, especially important if you live in a rural location or where there isn’t adequate street lighting.

Outdoor wall lights are a must in the winter months and ground lights or pillar lanterns can create a welcoming path to your front door, helping to avoid falls.

Lighting your property in the hours of darkness can also be an important security consideration – this is where motion sensor lighting comes into its own.

Burglars are much less likely to approach a well-lit property in case they are spotted by a neighbour or passer-by.

Motion sensor lights can also be handy for stepping out into the garden after dark, whether you just need to put the bins out or want to access the garden shed without hunting for a torch first.

Of course, outdoor lighting can also be very beautiful.

You might like the idea of using it to highlight particular aspects of your house, or uplight a striking tree in your garden.

There are a whole host of decorative lighting options available, from subtle up and downlighters to spotlights and contemporary pillar lights.

For a party atmosphere, hang strings of lights or lanterns around your deck or patio and don’t forget to plan ahead for the festive months.

Getting your lighting and power points right now will mean it is easy to bring in that festive feel come December, whether you want to deck your trees with fairy lights or set up a whole Christmas scene in your front garden.