Christmas lights switch-on star revealed as writer and cyclist

The star of the Kinross Christmas Lights switch-on has been revealed as a Scottish cyclist, author and broadcaster.

Light Up Kinross have announced that Mark Beaumont and his family will have this year’s honour.

The athlete is an international cyclist who holds the record for cycling around the world in 79 days, just one of his many achievements in the sport.

He has also published various books about his career and has been described as a “great ambassador for Scotland”.

The Light Up celebrations are a part of the Festive Street Market, which will take place on the same day in Kinross High Street.

The market includes more than 90 stalls alongside festive entertainment. Many shops on the town’s High Street also stay open late during the event.

Light Up Kinross comes only a couple of weeks before the Kinross-shire Winter Festival, which brings a range of music, family activities, local talent and events aimed at all ages to the area.

The Winter Festival is set to include the Scottish singersongwriter Dougie McLean.

The musician will headline the Winter Festival at the beginning of December in Kinross.

The festival will also host “blether-themed events”, which will include various writers sharing and reading from some of their works.

Other events set to be held include film screenings for people over 60, decorationmaking workshops, ceilidh dances and Christmas fayres.

The Christmas Lights switch-on will be held on November 23 at 7pm at Kinross High Street.