PICTURES: Volunteer committee praised for 'spectacular' lights switch-on and 50th anniversary celebration at Bonar Bridge

Hundreds of people braved temperatures of -7 for Bonar Bridge’s Christmas lights switch-on and celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of Bonar bridge.

The event, organised by Kyle Action Group - Chrismas Lights Committee, began at 4pm last Saturday with workshops in Bonar Bridge Hall where children decorated lanterns and made Christmas decorations and wreathes.

After enjoying homemade mince pies provided by the Kyle of Sutherland Hub, pupils from Gledfield and Bonar Bridge primary schools sang carols led by singing coach Simone Laraway.

Ardross Pipe Band led a street parade which left the hall heading for the bridge at around 6pm. The pipe band was followed by ice kings and queens from local youth groups and the bus from the village’s Bradbury Centre.

The area near the bridge known as Stone’s Park was lit up with garlands of lights. A fireworks display lit up the sky and a drumming workshop was held. Mulled wine was on offer.

The crowd was thrilled by a “flashmob” of 20 tractors, approaching from all directions with Santa and his reindeer sitting in the bucket of one tractor.

Sutherland Lord Lieutenant Patrick Marriott judged the best decorated tractor competition and awarded first prize to Robert and Anne Henderson of Culrain Mains. Runner-up was Will Munro.

Mr Marriott said the anniversary celebrations had been “thoughtfully and brilliantly” organised by a team of volunteers from the community.

Organisers were delighted with the turnout.

Caroline Munro, chairperson of Kyle Action Group-Christmas Lights Committee, said: “I have never seen so many people at a community event. It was incredibly humbling, but most of all rewarding to see so many happy faces of all ages.

"The fireworks lighting up the water and the tractor flashmob were highlights, especially with Santa leading the way with his magnificent sleigh and reindeer.”

Committee vice-chairperson Robert Sawyer said: “The evening ended with a lively family ceilidh with music provided by the Ruairidh & Zoe Ceilidh Band. The whole event was amazing, seeing the joy on people’s faces has made all the hard work worthwhile. I would like to thank all the community groups and volunteers who helped us make this event possible we really couldn’t have done it without you."

Social media users were quick to praise the organisers and say how much they had enjoyed the event.

Lucy Williams wrote: "An absolutely fantastic night from start to finish. I can't believe how much you managed to pack in. It was a true winter extravaganza. Thanks to everyone who organised it."

Lynne MacPhee agreed, writing: "What an amazing event, thank you so much to each and everyone who gave up their time to organise it. What a fantastic community spirit there was even in the freezing temperatures."

Jodie Manners said: "It was wonderful, what a cracking job all the volunteers did."

And Pauline Macleod wrote: "Absolutely amazing achievement from a group of volunteers giving up their own free time to produce such a spectacular event."

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.