Winter Queen waves her wand for festive fun magic
Ten days of pure magic starts in Oban tomorrow when the Winter Queen rides into town on her unicorn.
The royal guest will be waving her wand to cast dazzling spells to light up shop windows as she makes her way through the town from the Corran Halls at 5pm to Station Square, then back along the Esplanade.
Organisers are encouraging people to dress up cosy and bright, and light sticks will be handed out to youngsters.
When the royal entourage arrives back at the Corran Halls, the Queen will be joined by children from Ballet West and will officially declare the festival and fairground open. Other entertainment that night includes Ballet West presenting its Winter Wonderland show at the Corran Halls at 7pm and a charity fashion show at M&Co, Station Square, at 6.30pm.
Saturday November 16 brings Oban Winter Festival's food and craft market to Oban Distillery from 10am to 4pm while out at Dunstaffnage visitors can find out how to build a castle from 10am to 4pm.
The Northern Lighthouse Board in Gallanach Road is running tours with live music and food stalls from 10am.
Selfie fans can snap up the chance to get a picture taken with Shetland ponies Bobby and Charlie from 2pm to 4pm in Stafford Street, with donations going to Oban and Lorn Riding for the Disabled.
And Lego fans are in for a treat at a Winter Bricks event with top displays from members of Scotland's only recognised Lego users' group from 10am to 4pm, last entry at 3.45pm with funds being raised for Charity Air Ambulance and Fairy Bricks Scotland.
The festival's packed programme is out now for people to decide which or all of the 100-plus events they want to join in, from haggis hunts to craft fairs, roller discos, origami workshop, wreath making and selfie with Shetland ponies.
Tomorrow, November 15, also sees the start of the Winter Woods spectacular when the trees and enchanted walled garden at Glencruitten light up. Torches, warm clothing and good footwear are recommended for this event. Ticket are only available from the Winter Festival website at obanwinterfestival. com. A shuttle bus service will take visitors to the woods and back.