There was plenty of festive cheer last night as thousands lined the streets of Inverness to celebrate the Christmas lights switch-on.
Families gathered at the city’s Crown Primary School before colourful procession took set-off through the streets.
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Santa led a gathering including Provost Helen Carmichael and the City of Inverness Senior and Youth Pipe Bands.
Children were greeted by Woody and Buzz Lightyear from the Toy Story series along the route.
They congregated outside the Inverness Town House, where broadcaster Nicola McAlley led the countdown.
A colourful lighting scheme was also unveiled at the town house for the first time since its refurbishment.
Yesterday Miss McAlley said: “It is great to be part of the light switch-on as it is always a magical occasion for all ages.
“It’s lovely to see the kids’ faces light up as well as the lights. The event is always great fun. Everybody who comes along gets to take part.”
Helped by the Provost , Santa officially switched the lights on before members of the procession departed to the Old High Church for the traditional Christmas carol service at 6.30pm.
Earlier in the day, Santa and his herd of reindeer greeted visitors in Falcon Square as his grotto opened at the Eastgate Centre.
The cast of this year’s Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime at the Eden Court were also part of the fun, entertaining young visitors alongside the Ice King and Queen.
The Jack and the Beanstalk-themed grotto this year is raising funds for the Highland Hospice.
Santa’s grotto will be open from 11am to 6pm on Thursdays and from 11am to 5pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
