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SANTA and his reindeer made an early visit to Oban on Saturday as the town’s Christmas lights were switched on.
A procession from the Corran Halls to Station Square was led by Oban Pipe Band, followed by Oban High School cheerleaders, Atlantis Leisure Dance Group and a large crowd of Oban residents, who were well entertained.
Lucky Ross MacGregor of Park Primary School and Hannah Teape, Taynuilt, got to ride with Santa in his sleigh after they won a Christmas card competition.
Caitlin Workman of Ardchattan Primary School and Kirsty Hetherington, Park Primary School, who won the senior section of the Christmas card competition, had the responsibility of switching on the town centre lights.
As they did, coastguard members fired flares across Oban Bay.
Argyll and Bute MP Alan Reid and Oban North and Lorn Councillor Duncan MacIntyre spoke to the assembled crowd and there was joyous singing of Christmas songs after the lights went on.
Dave Finlayson of Oban Town Centre Traders’ Amenity Association said: ‘Santa and his reindeer were a big hit.
‘I would like to thank Oban and Lorn Lions and the Rotary Club of Oban for making sure everything ran smoothly and Lidl for donating 500 sweets, which Santa gave out to children at the event.’
The Christmas lights were paid for by Oban Common Good Fund, Argyll and Bute Council, which donated £5,000 each, and the town traders’ association.
The visit of the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre was organised by Rotary Club of Oban.
