Highland Hospice's Light up the Highlands Christmas tree goes up in Inverness city centre
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HIGHLAND Hospice put up their special Christmas tree in Falcon Square on Tuesday night, and in the absence of a big tree at Inverness Castle this year because of development work, it has become the main civic tree.
It is the fourth year that the Inverness based hospice has launched the Light Up the Highlands Appeal.
People are invited to sponsor a Christmas tree light to celebrate the life of a loved one or simply to support the hospice.
You can also leave a dedication on the Hospice's online dedication wall.
The tree was put up by Capstone Construction, Inverness and James Paterson Haulage for free and purchased with support of Cairngorm Group.
It is expected to be decorated in time for lighting up on Friday to coincide with the Eastgate Centre's Christmas lights switch-on.
The hospice's fund-raising manager Andrew Leaver said: "This year our tree is the main city tree in the absence of one at the Castle, but it is a community effort, made possible through much local help including from the Common Good Fund and High Life Highland.
"We also have a smaller tree at the Eastgate Centre's Santa's Grotto in the former Fat Face shop beside our cafe at the centre's entrance off Eastgate.
"People can give a donation and leave messages of love and support there on paper stars for hanging on the tree.
"We also have a tree outside the hospice itself for the benefit of patients and family members."
Lights can be sponsored and dedications made at highlandhospice.org/luth
Mr Leaver added: "The hospice is hugely grateful for all the support and we hope everyone will enjoy the tree this Christmas."
