The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Patron saint to be celebrated in colourful fashion
Fife town that bears his name will have expanded display until February
St Andrews is to sparkle through the winter with the launch of a £60,000 lighting installation.
Ceilings of lights are to illuminate Bell and Church Streets and trees on South Street will be lit up.
A surprise special feature will also be created on Market Street.
Lasting from December to February, it is hoped the scheme will extend the town’s appeal through quieter months.
Rhonda McCrimmon, manager of the business improvement district (BID), said: “We have improved and expanded the scope of the scheme for 2017 to include the South Street trees and a fairytale ceiling of lights on Bell Street which we hope will attract more visitors to our town at this magical time of year.”
Blachere Illuminations has begun installation before the official switch-on on December 1, coinciding with the annual beating of the retreat event.
They will also illuminate the St Andrew’s Day celebrations on December 2, hosted by BID St Andrews, which will include a street ceilidh, lantern procession and fireworks display.
Rhonda said: “There’s no better place to celebrate our national saint’s day but in the town ‘at the ends of the earth’ where, legend has it, St Andrew’s bones were brought.”
The festival is supported by the Scottish Government through EventScotland.
Dr Alasdair Allan, minister for international development and Europe, said: “The town will, no doubt, look its best and be at its most vibrant, with events including the street ceilidh, lantern-lit procession and fireworks.
“The festival is a fantastic way for residents and visitors to share in our rich Scottish culture while marking Scotland’s special day.”
Cash was contributed by BID St Andrews, Fife Council, the town’s common good fund and the Hamish Foundation charity.
More details about the festival are available at standrewsday.com