Thousands of people will march through Inverness by torchlight this weekend as the Highlands prepares to get into the Christmas spirit.
Helen Carmichael – Inverness provost and Santa – will lead the parade through the city centre tomorrow to the Old High Church for a carol concert on the banks of the River Ness – named Ding Dong Merrily Old High.
The Highland capital’s Christmas lights will be switched on for the festive period as the crowd pass through the city centre.
Up to 5,000 people have traditionally gathered for the annual event, which will start at 5.45pm this year from Crown Primary School.
Spectators will have the chance to enjoy a hot drink and entertainment as they wait for Santa to arrive at the school to begin the parade.
All proceeds from the sale of refreshments will go to school funds, while proceeds from the sale of torches for the parade will support the work of the Women’s Aid refuge in Inverness.
Highland Council’s lighting department has tested the lights to make sure they will sparkle into life as planned.
Meanwhile Highland-based multimedia company Arts in Motion will complement the lights with a large projection onto the walls of Abertarff House on Church Street.
Councillor Carmichael said: “I am really looking forward to officially launching the countdown to Christmas on what is always one of the most enjoyable nights of the year in Inverness.”
Councillor Glynis Sinclair, chairwoman of Inverness Events and Festival’s working group added: “Anyone who wants to join in and see the Christmas lights switch on can follow the parade and see the spectacle as its passes through the city centre.
“Please meet at Crown Primary school as there won’t be the usual event at the Town House due to the renovation works taking place there.”
The torchlight procession and Christmas lights switch on is part of the Inverness Events and Festivals programme which is funded by the Inverness Common Good Fund with the support of Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee.
In Oban, the Christmas lights will be switched on in Station Square tonight (Saturday) at 6pm, as part of the Oban Winter Festival celebrations. This will follow the annual Reindeer Parade, which leaves the Corran Halls with Santa at 5pm.