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PICTURES: Inverness tunes into festive spirit at Christmas lights switch on





Crowds gathered in Falcon Square singing along to the most popular festive songs as Santa switched on the city’s Christmas lights.

Picture: James Mackenzie
Picture: James Mackenzie

A welcome mild evening after a wintery spell saw families and passers-by stop to enjoy some live entertainment before the Highland Hospice’s tree illuminated and marked the start of the festive season.

Hosted by STV’s Nicola McAlley, the event saw Ness Factor 2024 winner Kay-Lisa Davidson perform as well as Anna and Elsa from Frozen.

Santa switching on the lights. Picture: James Mackenzie
Santa switching on the lights. Picture: James Mackenzie

The Falcon Square tree is one of three in Inverness as part of the Hospice’s annual Light up the Highlands campaign.

Highland Hospice’s head of income and development, Andrew Leaver, thanked everyone who attended and those who supported the hospice.

Falcon Square. Picture: James Mackenzie
Falcon Square. Picture: James Mackenzie
The Bonczek family. Picture: James Mackenzie
The Bonczek family. Picture: James Mackenzie

He said: “A huge thank you for being here and supporting us today. What you may not realise is that many of the lights on the tree have been sponsored by Highland Hospice supporters, dedicating a light in memory of a loved one or to supporting the charity.

“It’s been 29 years since we invited people to light a light on the Christmas tree, and for the last six years we have put on a tree in Falcon Square. As the winter nights get longer and the days feel dark and cold, Xmas lights can bring a moment of happiness to all of us.

Kay-Lisa Davidson, Ness Factor 2024 winner. Picture: James Mackenzie
Kay-Lisa Davidson, Ness Factor 2024 winner. Picture: James Mackenzie
Picture: James Mackenzie
Picture: James Mackenzie

“As we celebrate this tree today, and Christmas in a few weeks’ time, you may be reminded of people you have lost, family members no longer here to make new memories, but always remembered. You may think of those with terminal illnesses, facing their last Christmas with their family. Or perhaps the recently bereaved, uncertain if they should feel joy this Christmas - the first without their loved one. Highland Hospice is here for these people.”

Daisy and Vicki Mackinnon getting a photo with Elsa and Anna from See Chelle's Characters. Picture: James Mackenzie
Daisy and Vicki Mackinnon getting a photo with Elsa and Anna from See Chelle's Characters. Picture: James Mackenzie
Santa arriving at the light switch on. Picture: James Mackenzie
Santa arriving at the light switch on. Picture: James Mackenzie

“Thank you again for your support. Together we can make a real difference, and light up the Highlands.”

The switch-on rounded off a busy day at Eastgate and Falcon Square, with Moray Markets vendors trading and other fun activities for the whole family throughout the day.


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