Businesses have the 'light stuff' as they unite for festive illluminations boost

“After hearing the plea from our chairperson, Raymond Harvey, about how we need to repair and purchase new lights, Darren was quick to approach his contacts in managerial positions in various businesses to ask them to take part in his idea for a new community initiative,” said a spokesperson for the lights group.

“With thanks to McFadyens Contractors, McFadyens Transport, Glen Scotia Distillery, Springbank Distillery, West Coast Motors, Jewsons Campbeltown, Huws Gray, Dawson Wam, AM Transport and McKinven and Colville, who all donated to the appeal for lights on the street crossings and poles, and Campbeltown Community Windfarm Trust which funded tree lights and a new star light in memory of those we have lost as a community, all these lights have been renewed.

“We cannot express how grateful we are to each of these businesses for contributing to this appeal.

“The provision of the lights has eased the stress of obtaining funding to replace the lights. Last year, 14 out of the 29 fixtures were broken and needed replaced. By having these new lights, which should last a good few years, the worry and disappointment of broken lights has been taken away.”

Speaking to the Courier this week, Darren said: “I would like to commend the Campbeltown Christmas Lights group for all their selfless work, year on year, to provide the children of Campbeltown and Kintyre with the magic of Christmas and the joy the lights bring to the town. 

“The support shown by businesses towards the initiative was phenomenal and confirmed what everyone already knew – the community spirit in Campbeltown is second to none.”

The funding boost has also enabled the Christmas lights group to resume running competitions for young people to design their own lights to be added to the town’s display, something that has brought joy to many children over

the years. 

“The existing children’s lights were given back to their designers last year as they were no longer cost effective to repair,” said the spokesperson.

The good news could not have come at a better time for the lights group members, who were feeling deflated after having to cancel their planned biennial fundraising winter ball due to poor ticket sales.

After news of the cancellation broke, the community rallied for the cause, with many people making personal donations to the lights fund. 

“We were so disappointed to have to cancel our winter ball last week, but the support shown from businesses and the community has far surpassed anything we could have envisaged,” said the spokesperson.

“We hope the community likes the new lights – each crossing will have signage stating the business responsible for sponsorship of the light. 

“It really is so heart-warming to have so many people supporting the town’s lights to keep them shining brightly.”

Campbeltown’s annual Christmas lights switch-on, which kicks off with a parade before the big countdown and illumination, is due to take place next Friday (November 22).

Keep an eye on the ‘Campbeltown Christmas Lights’ Facebook page for timings and updates, as well as information on how to donate to the Christmas lights fund.