An Ayrshire community has pledged to make their town’s Christmas magical with a ‘there will be lights’ vow.
The new-look Troon community council have promised something special in the makings as Wintertainment returns from it’s dark Covid exile.
The sorely missed festive bash will return this month with fresh faces plotting its comeback.
As well as missing out in a standout parade through the town, Troon reisdents have had to suffer being left ‘literally in the dark’ over the cold months with Christmas lights blasted in recent years.
This year, they’ve raised and splashed a whopping £11,500 on the bright Christmas decorations as they gear up to illuminate Troon.
New community council chief Frances Carson knew all too well how dim the proceedings were becoming.
The festivities will also be the first of their kind since community stalwart Helen Duff passed. And Frances admits carrying the torch after Helen will be big shoes to fill.
Frances told Ayrshire Live: “I spent most years as one of the helpers on Troon’s family fun day, now I find myself in charge.
“It’s very nice, it’s an honour. Helen’s shoes are big shoes to fill but we are doing it to the best of our ability.
“One thing we knew was we needed to improve the lights. The lights in Troon were absolutely shocking – I knew as soon as I became chair that is one thing that will change.”
And as she took up her new role this year, she promised to illuminate the town.
A specialist team was drafted together solely in charge of Christmas lights.
Ian Knight, famed for his own incredible displays from his Troon home, took the reins.
The lights man battled to gain an incredible £10,000 lottery fund kitty, which was then added to by community fundraisers arranged by the committee, Ian’s wife Sarah Knight Frances’s daughter, Heather Calder and Iain Wilson.
The taskforce is now readying themselves for the big day on November, which will include a show of support to the British Legion members, and a lighting of the beacon for former |Troon station master Brian Muir.
A nod to the Glasgow Taxi Outing will also be seen, with a Glasgow Taxi joining in the parade and Outing organiser and Glasgow cabby Stephen Lalley set to switch on the lights.
The parade will also feature a 12 days of Christmas display put together volunteers.
Frances added: “The past few years has been tough for everyone.
“We are going to make it magical, it’s about love and helping each other, giving and not being selfish. We are displaying all of these things, we are all volunteers and we are servants of our town.
“One thing is for sure, the whole of Troon will be lit up. It is going to be something beautiful for all the senses.”
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