WHILE the Christmas lights needed some encouragement to come on in Muckhart, the community was treated to a fantastic festive atmosphere at the weekend.

The Wee County village sparkles with a Christmas glow after the Light Up Muckhart on Sunday, November 25, which brought young and old together.

Retired Dollar butcher Brian Devlin had the honour of flicking the switch and while the illuminations did not shine straight away, technical issues were quickly fixed.

The event was organised by local quartet Val Whyte, Dawn Hodgson, Kirstie Nelson and Alison Peden who threw the community get together for the third time this year.

The village hall was full of fun games and stalls including crafts for young people, Scouts, Guides, the art club from the local primary and more while mulled wine, tea and stovies kept everyone warm.

Raffles were also organised for both adults and children and proceeds from the day, around a whopping £920, went to Home-Start Clackmannanshire.

The children greeted Santa outside the hall with cheers as he sleighed into the village on his tractor and set his grotto up in the car park.

Local farmer Jimmy Wilson brought along a Shetland pony that was dressed up as a reindeer to the delight of children while everyone enjoyed the community carol singing as they gathered around the piano inside.

Organiser Alison Peden wanted to give a big thanks to the many people and groups involved and also to the many who generously donated on the day.

She added: “Despite the weather we had a bigger turnout than ever and arguable more fun than ever.

“A big thanks to everybody that turned out.”

And while the lights needed some “jiggery and pokery” to come on, Alison said the team is working hard to make sure all goes smooth next year.