Golspie community erects Christmas light in shape of a surfboard in memory of Alexander Sutherland, Lord Strathnaver: Switch-on will be performed by his sister
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A touching tribute is being made to Alexander Sutherland, Lord Strathnaver, who tragically died after falling from a cliff in Caithness earlier this year.
The Golspie community has erected a new Christmas light in his honour in the shape of a surfboard - Alexander was passionate about surfing and ran a surf shop in Caithness.
The new light has the words 'Surfs Up' on it along with blue wavy lines signifying the sea.
It has been installed at the entrance to Duke Street, where the offices of Sutherland Estates are located. Alexander was the son of the Earl of Sutherland and the family seat is Dunrobin Castle.
Well known and well liked in Golspie, Alexander attended the local primary school and retained the friends he made there all his life.
He had a degree in surf science from the University of Plymouth, studying for a year in Australia, and he became an ambassador for surfing.
His sister, Elizabeth Costin will perform the honour of switching-on the festive lights at a ceremony scheduled to take place at 3.30pm on Saturday at Fountain Road.
Golspie Community Council chairman Ian Sutherland said the switch-on would be a very “poignant event”.
He said: “The light was the idea of a few individuals, all good friends of Alexander’s.
“Brora welding contractor John Duncan made the frame and the Golspie Christmas lights elves did the electrical side.”
Mr Sutherland added: "It’s a little known fact that several of the Christmas lights you can see as you drive through Golspie have been installed over the years in memory of loved ones who have passed away. So the lights have a very special meaning to a lot of people.”
Lord Strathnaver (40) was found dead after falling from cliffs at Thurso East on Saturday, September 4. His funeral was held at Dunrobin Castle on September 20 and he is interred in the family cemetery there.
