It started as the musings of a local butcher – and tonight it will burst into life as a spectacular light and sound show in a Moray town.
Trees lining the winding footpath on Cluny Hill in Forres will be illuminated in a multitude of hues as part of the Colours of Cluny event.
Visitors will get to wander through the woods and enjoy the spectacle as they make their way to Nelson’s Tower at the summit.
The 19th century landmark will have shapes beamed on to it as the focal point of the attraction.
The event has taken inspiration from the Enchanted Forest show at Pitlochry in Perthshire, which was crafted by Forres lighting designer Kate Bonney.
But the idea for turning the hill into an art installation came from Graham Murdoch, owner of Murdoch Butchers in the town.
He said: “I read an interview with Kate and it seemed to me she just wanted to be asked to do something in Forres, maybe just someone to get the ball rolling.
“Grant Park has fantastic features and Nelson’s Tower is a spectacular landmark. People come to see these things anyway.
“I talked to one or two of my friends and it just ran on from there. Everyone was really enthusiastic. Forres has so many events these days there was the expertise to take it on.”
About 12,000 people are expected to weave their way up the hill during the 10-day event.
Lights beaming from the summit into the night sky will be visible from as far away as Nairn.
Organisers have had to seek permission from aviation authorities to hold the event.
Mrs Bonney has been working on the project since the beginning of the year and is thrilled to be involve in a show in her home town.
She said: “It’s a beautiful location to work in. The main route has been designed as a series of installations leading you up to the tower which houses the main show.
“We’re hoping this is going to be the first of many events – with it being the first we want it to be seen from all around.
“People hanging around Buckie or Findhorn should be able to see it from their window.”
Colours of Cluny starts tonight and will run until Sunday, November 20, but without shows on Monday and Tuesday.
Ticket prices vary depending on the date and can be bought online at www.coloursofcluny.com.