A north-east community group has raised enough money to ensure its town will have Christmas lights this year.
Light Up Peterhead had been in a race against time to raise the cash for the port’s official switch on this Saturday.
Shirley Duthie – who fronted up a newly-formed group to ensure the money was raised – said recently there was a £3,000 black hole which needed filling.
But, through donations from members of the public, local businesses and even Peterhead Academy pupils, sufficient money has been raised to decorate the port’s main shopping district.
Circus performance group Theatre Modo are now set to entertain crowds at Drummer’s Corner from 12pm ahead of the switch-on at 4pm.
Theresa Ritchie from Modo Scotland said: “We’re going to be hosting some local talent between 12-4pm. It’s a bit of a partnership effort.
“And good on them for raising the money, it’s not a job I’d be wanting. They needed to raise around £3,000. But the more they raised, the more lights could be put up. It’s the maintenance costs, if anything, that add up.”
A spokeswoman for Light Up Peterhead thanked everyone who donated to the cause.
“Hope to see you all there,” she added.
Peterhead is the latest north-east town to make a plea to local people to help fund Christmas decorations.
In neighbouring Fraserburgh, campaigners had been collecting money since September.
Oor Braw Broch was set up by mother and daughter Carolyn and Emma-Jayne May to guarantee they would have a Christmas tree come December. The group needed £2,500 to light up the town centre and, thanks to local firms, met its target.
The town’s previous Christmas light group stepped down last year.