Fort William Festive Fund

FORT WILLIAM FESTIVE FUND TO LIGHT UP THE HIGH STREET

Iain Ferguson

It may seem a bit early to be talking about Christmas, but a group of volunteers in Fort William have set out to raise £8000 in an effort to light up the High Street with colourful lights to ignite the Festive Spirit and drive away the winter darkness.

This year, despite the excellent and unusually warm summer weather, it has not been that great for many people, shut in at home due to Covid restrictions. This was very necessary and undoubtedly saved many lives, but did mean a lack of contact and huge change from everyday normal life.

The group are hoping that by Christmas getting out and about will be a real option and would like to make the High Street look that little bit special to encourage people to visit, shop and support the many local businesses who have found it equally hard going.

Sasha McKinlay, one of the festive fund organisers said: “Traditionally, the High Street area has been lit up by lights during the festive season to encourage a coming together of our community in the hub of Lochaber’s shopping district.

“Many people in the community enjoy the atmosphere that lights create during this dark season in the Highlands. It also encourages footfall and a festive spirit, making it more likely that local people will ‘shop local’ and help to instil a sense of pride in the town.”

This venture is just the start of which they hope will be an ongoing fund to ensure future festive installations and events will take place.

Our current objective is to raise funds for the 2021 festive light display in the centre of town. Our ongoing goal is to create a fund that will ensure a festive installation and event each year for our community.

To make a contribution go to the Fort Willian Festive Fund page on social media which is linked to a donations page including a QR code which makes it even easier. For a more low-tech solution, collecting tins should soon be on display in shops, where every penny can add to the brightness and Christmas cheer of the town.