THE COUNTDOWN to Christmas is on...

With only 24 days left before Christmas the countdown has truly begun with the big day rapidly approaching. In no time at all, we will all be eating mince pies, tucking into great festive fayre, spending time with loved ones and sharing gifts and Christmas cheer.

And if the weather has not yet started to make you feel like Christmas is nearing then a visit to any store will certainly put you in the festive mood. Well loved sing-along Christmas carols and songs abound everywhere you go and now that December has started, decorations, welladorned trees and tinsel are also starting to appearing everywhere.

With the true meaning of Christmas being about celebrations and shared time with loved ones, it can also be a very busy time for many, with food preparation, house decorating, travel planning and purchasing special gifts and surprises - there can be so much to organise in the run up to the big day.

In the spirit of saving precious time and helping you to prepare for this Christmas period, the Arran Banner has compiled a compilation of people, places and stores to visit that are all offering festive deals and bargains galore to help you to care of all of your festive needs.

While many will resort to going online or be tempted to visit mainland stores there is a surprisingly near-complete set of stores and producers right on your doorstep that can cater for your every need, from food to gifts to decorations and activities and pamper sessions, it is all right here, and shopping locally also means that that you support the communities and organisations that abound on Arran. Shopping locally supports your neighbours the local micro-economy and encourages local commerce who in turn support other local enterprise and causes. It all makes perfect sense, and of course you get to take advantage of a wide choice of good quality, often unique, and all well-regarded products from sellers and purveyors of Arran inspired merchandise and services.

Browse, from the comfort of your own armchair, our selection of top festive fayre over the following few pages. And all of them within close driving distance without having to travel to far-flung destinations and all with typical Arran hospitality and a warm welcome.