It might be the start of summer.
But one Aberdeenshire community is seeking help in its search for funding to illuminate Christmas festivities.
The recently-formed Auchterless Residents Association is looking ahead to the dark winter months already and is seeking votes towards community funding for new Christmas lights in the village.
The group is the only Aberdeenshire organisation to have been nominated for funding from Calor Gas though its £20,000 community fund and must secure as many votes as possible in order to gain one of the top awards of £5,000.
There are two £5,000 prizes up for grabs along with two of £2,500 and five of £1,000.
Gaynor Morris, a member of the Auchterless Residents Association, explained the need for new lighting.
She said: “We organised a Christmas tree in the village for the first time last year and held an official ‘switch on’ of the lights which was extremely well-attended by local folk, including many families.
“We all enjoyed singing carols followed by festive refreshments afterwards.
“It was a wonderful experience and one we really do want to build on this year by having decorative lights up through the village.”
The money will also be spent on repairing some of the street light columns used to hold the illuminations.
The community group is the only Aberdeenshire group to have been successful in being short listed for the funds and now needs to build on the 390 votes they have received so far.
Mrs Morris added: “Costings for this project left us shocked. Simply having each light standard checked and made ready to take lights will cost around £250.
“If we were successful in obtaining this grant, the money would be used to make ready the required number of light standards which would cost £3000 and the remaining £2000 would be used to purchase the lights.
“If the rest of Aberdeenshire gets behind us, that would be great – we would like to make this project a reality.”
To vote, go to: www.calor.co.uk/communityfund/christmas-lighting-for-auchterless-villlage
