Christmas tree back in Falcon Square in Inverness
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Highland Hospice’s annual Light up the Highlands fundraising appeal will include a tree in Inverness city centre.
There was no tree in one of the city’s biggest public spaces last year after the Eastgate Centre, which owns the land, decided its artificial one had seen better days and filled the shopping mall with new decorations instead.
But this year Highland Hospice, along with the Eastgate and other Highland businesses, have joined forces to provide a stunning eight-metre high tree in the square.
For more than 20 years the hospice has asked supporters to help light up the Highlands by sponsoring a light on one of more than 20 Christmas trees it puts up in communities across the region.
However, this is the first time the hospice has placed one of its trees in the centre of Inverness.
It will complement another tree at Inverness Cathedral which will be lit up during a special Light up the Highlands Service on Monday, December 2.
The hospice’s head of fundraising, Andrew Leaver, said: “We noted that the Falcon Square tree was absent last year and quickly made contact with the Eastgate Shopping Centre to offer to work together to erect one this year.
“Our campaign to Light up the Highlands is well supported across the region and we didn’t want to see Inverness without a civic tree. We are delighted that so many other companies and organisations have come on board to help.
“We have been given the tree by Aigas Community Forest and the Eastgate Shopping Centre is providing the lights. In addition, a number of local building and construction firms have helped us design and fabricate the base and erect the tree.”
The tree will be a highlight of the Cairngorm Group Window Wonderland of children’s attractions and gift stalls running in the square throughout the festive season.
Companies which have supported the project included WGC Scotland, Neil Ross Consulting Engineers, Breedon, Keyline, A9 Joinery, Highland Joinery and Glazing, AB Fabrication and Paterson Haulage.
Over the years the Light up the Highlands fundraising campaign has raised more than £500,000 for Highland Hospice. Individuals and firms can sponsor a light on one of the hospice trees and dedicate it in memory of a loved one or to mark a special occasion at www.highlandhospice.org/luth
