Crowds flock to lights switch-on
Hundreds attend community event
Hundreds of people attended Blairgowrie and Rattray’s Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday.
As well as a Christmas market and entertainment in the Wellmeadow, there was a parade from Rattray led by Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Pipe Band and Santa in his sleigh.
Scott MacGregor, pictured left, is chair of the Blairgowrie and Rattray Illuminations Committee, which organised the event and is responsible for the town’s festive lights.
He thanked everyone for contributing to what was a most enjoyable day for all the family.
Also pictured are Lucy Waterman, Allie Scott and Ailie Castle who were raising money for Newhill Primary School’s parent council.
Hundreds of people attended Blairgowrie and Rattray’s Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday.
The popular community event got under way at 3pm in the Wellmeadow with a Christmas market featuring stalls from local crafts people and groups and organisations fundraising for their activities.
The lights on the Christmas tree by Rattray Church were switched on at 4pm and Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Pipe Band and Santa in his sleigh then led the parade from Rattray to the Wellmeadow.
There was entertainment on the stage in the Wellmeadow, with performances from pipers AJ MacGregor and Hamish Stephens, Blairgowrie Lyric Choir, dancers from the Linda Tosh School of Dance and the Strathmore School of Dance and Rhiona Sidley.
There was also community carol singing led by compere for the afternoon, Brenda Kerr.
Santa’s Grotto was run by the Blairgowrie and District Girlguiding Association and Santa welcomed more than 100 children during his flying visit to the town.
A spokesperson for the Girlguiding Association thanked everyone for their support, saying: “It was a lovely afternoon and very busy!
“The grotto and teas raised just over £400 towards the Guide Hut rebuild fund, which is great.
“We’d like to say a huge thank you
to everyone who supported us and to the Co-op, Lidl and Tesco for donating the selection boxes for the children.”
The lights in Blairgowrie were switched on by Citizen of the Year Susan Hart and the Young Person of the Year Remy McDonald.
Scott MacGregor is chair of the Blairgowrie and Rattray Illuminations Committee, which organised the event and is responsible for the town’s festive lights.
He said: “It was great to see so many people in the Wellmeadow for the lights switch-on and on behalf of the committee I would like to thank everyone who has donated to the Christmas lights, and all the volunteers who help put the lights up every year.
“I’d also like to thank everyone for coming along to the switch-on event, all the volunteers, stall holders, performers, Brenda Kerr for doing
an amazing job throughout the afternoon, and Sue Hart and Remy McDonald who have both done so much for the local community.”
Blairgowrie and Glens SNP councillor Tom McEwan said: “Santa was very busy in his grotto – I have never seen such a long queue of excited children.
“The performances on the stage were brilliant. Well done to all those involved in organising the event.”
Conservative councillor Caroline Shiers said: “The switch-on was a huge success and the people of the town came out in huge number and were clearly enjoying the chance to be together with friends and family.”
“Brenda Kerr was the perfect host for the day and ensured everyone got into the Christmas spirit.”