A Hamilton dad has been forced to cancel his popular whole house Christmas lights display due to the spiralling cost of electricity.
Iain Fleming and his Christmas-loving family have become a staple part of festivities in Lanarkshire with people travelling far and wide to see his home and garden lit up in spectacular fashion every Christmas.
The dad-of-three has been going all out for the last 10 years - at his former Forth Terrace property - and then at his new home in Alness Terrace, decorating it with thousands of sparkling lights and festive figures in an amazing display that uses over 100 plugs.
And his annual switch-on event attracts thousands of people to his front door to witness the Christmas countdown from 10-to-1 before Iain hits the button to light up the skies, raising hundreds of pounds for Lanarkshire charities including the Les Hoey Dreammaker Foundation.
But this year, Iain has made the tough decision to cancel his show-stopping display in part due to the current cost-of-living crisis.
In a short social media post Iain explained: "Due to various reasons, one being the current energy situation the Christmas light display will not take place this year.
"Fingers crossed the display will be back in 2023."
His post was met with upset from supporters who look forward to seeing his dazzling display every year, with many calling on Iain to set up a JustGiving page or to find a sponsor to help contribute towards the costs.
Liz Scott posted: "That's sad, you should ask for donations not just for charity but towards the electric bill, you bring so much happiness to lots of people."
And Helen McManus said: "Awe such a shame, hope you manage through the crisis OK."
Sandra Mee added: "I think a lot of people wont be putting up outdoor lights this year, you cant blame them with the high cost of electricity," whilst Ann Marie encouraged: "Set up some sponsors Iain as your displays are such an important event for the community and also your charity."
And Jamie Allison suggested: "Maybe set up a Go Fund Me page- I'm sure a lot of people would be happy to contribute towards the energy bills and if you don't raise enough then it can be donated to a chosen charity.
"Could maybe even shorten the length of time they're on."
Laura Winchester said: "I would donate the kids love it."
Back in 2020 amidst the coronavirus pandemic which cancelled Iain's plans for a large-scale switch-on, he instead decided to host a virtual Facebook Live party with people across the globe tuning in to watch.
He even switched his lights on a few weeks earlier than normal in a bid to cheer up the community amidst the doom and gloom of COVID-19.
His fascinating festive exhibit uses thousands of bulbs and takes weeks of meticulous planning to erect the display perfectly for the public, with Iain simply asking that visitors during November and December make a small donation to his charity buckets/tins.
In the past he’s even laid on a magical snowfall, and a DJ and invited guests to entertain the crowd, including Motherwell singer Nicky McDonald of X Factor fame.
To date he has raised almost £10,000 for charity.
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