While Christmas lights sparked into life throughout the north-east, one community appealed for help to save their festive tradition.
Even as an organised display in Peterhead saw the big switch-on – an event which attracted hundreds of people to Drummers Corner to witness Santa arriving and the port’s Christmas tree sparkle – Banff and Macduff residents continued their fundraising plea.
Many of the port’s lights need repaired and though there will be a Yuletide display, it will be significantly diminished this year.
Many locals have now grown fearful that, barring a rise in funds and volunteer numbers, the tradition will eventually wither and die.
The Banff and Macduff Christmas Lights Association, which organises the decorations for the towns, has warned that efforts to continue will be a “struggle”.
In a statement about the situation, chairman Sandy Cummings claimed the displays were dependent on volunteers offering up their free time and cash.
He stated: “This is a costly venture and this is the only reason why there are less lights to the overall display for 2016 into 2017, because we simply could not afford to have the rest of the lights repaired.
“Over the last few years, we have spent in excess of £10,000 just to provide festive lighting and this can only continue if we raise enough funds to do so.
“We ask each and every year for both new committee members and for financial support whilst explaining our struggle, but this has been unsuccessful.”
A fundraiser was established on Thursday morning to help the cause and within 24 hours, more than £1,000 was raised: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/christmaslightsassociation
It sta: “With our community’s help we can ensure next year we get to see bonny lights all around Macduff.”
Peterhead’s on switch-on lasted for almost four hours and included a Christmas-themed parade through the town, displays by local theatre troupe, and fair ground attractions.
Light Up Peterhead, the group which spearheads the town’s display in Drummers Corner, thanked local donators for making the event possible.
On Thursday, the Buchanhaven community also switched on their own display within the town.
Hundreds of people attended event which featured choir singing from local youngsters.