Residents in Helmsdale are enjoying a bigger and brighter Christmas light display this year, thanks to a £5,000 award from SSE’s Gordonbush Community Fund.
Helmsdale Millennium Committee used their grant to replace the outdated old lights and invest in an impressive new display which includes an illuminated sleigh and wishing well. A new secure storage hut for the lights was also purchased.
The official ‘switch on’ was held earlier in December to much fanfare, with a 100 strong crowd gathering to watch the festivities at Helmsdale Community Centre. Sutherland Schools Pipe Band entertained the crowd as they waited for the countdown to this year’s display. Carrying out the honours was Serena Whitehead from Helmsdale Primary, winner of the annual school competition to switch on the lights. The fun continued with a visit to Santa’s Grotto, party games and a disco.
Garry MacMillan, who runs the lights display with his team of volunteers, said:
“The team put a huge amount of effort into the display, with planning starting back in February. The new equipment will ensure that the process can run as smoothly as possible so we can provide a more impressive light display for the whole community to enjoy.”
Fiona Morrison of SSE said:
“This year’s Christmas light display was the best yet and everyone who came along enjoyed a great night packed full of entertainment. Supporting communities to come together and enjoy events like this is what the fund is all about.”
SSE’s Gordonbush Community Fund provides £166,000 per year to community and charitable projects in Brora, Golspie, Helmsdale and Rogart and has awarded over 100 grants since the fund opened in 2011. Between 2011 and 2036, at least £3.6 million will be invested in local projects.