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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Paul Behan

Christmas-mad Scots man transforms parents' house into festive wonderland

Cumnock’s very own Christmas-mad youngster officially got the Festive season underway - by flicking the switch on his sensational light-up display for 2022.

Craig Montgomery played it for laughs as he dressed up as 'The Grinch' on Friday night while turning on his colourful and dazzling display.

It’s the 11th year in a row Craig’s gone above and beyond to bring the magic of Christmas to the Cumnock community.

And once again, it was a night to remember in Holmburn Road as his ‘Wonderland’ themed display at his family home warmed the hearts of his family, friends, neighbours and children who went along to witness the switch-on.

Craig, 23, an office manager at family-owned G&C Double Glazing Repair, said: “I started setting up this year’s display during the first weekend of November, not to mention the planning and buying that starts early September

“It starts with the front of house, then I move to the side and fence and when you get to the last part, building the acrylic scene, you know you’re nearing the end, as it creates the Christmas sparkle."

This year’s display has a variety of characters such as reindeer, penguins, polar bears and, of course, Santa driving a full-size metal car.

Children who visit Holmburn Road are mesmerised with such a colourful and attractive display (Alister Firth)

It also boasts thousands of LED cluster lights that have been painstakingly assembled by Craig over the last few weeks which all helps to add a splash of colour to the festive attraction.

Craig Montgomery, as The Grinch, pictured outside his home in Holmburn Road, Cumnock (Alister Firth)

And Craig is convinced it’s his best Christmas lights display yet.

He said: “As the years go on, of course I top the previous years. The decorations have gotten bigger and bulkier, and this year’s display is no different. It’s about bringing some Festive cheer to the local area, although I’m quickly running out of space!”

Craig gives a high-five to one of his helpers, Elf Arika Raeburn (Alister Firth)

The display will be lit in the evenings (5pm to 10pm) from now until January 1.

Craig Montgomery is unmasked and is happy to pose for a picture after the success of his Christmas lights switch-on on Friday night (Alister Firth)

Craig, who lives at the family home with mum and dad Maria and Paul, and sister Joanne, wants the entire Ayrshire community to visit the display, hidden in the cul-de-sac on Holmburn Road, and savour the Christmas spirit by gazing upon his display.

The Christmas lights display has brought some Festive cheer to the Cumnock community (Alister Firth)

He added: “The house is there for everyone to enjoy, we want to see as many photos as possible and the Grinch is just a bit of fun as you can see Santa at any time. I’ve seen a huge demand for it. So, after last year's success, the costume was improved to what you see now!

"On a side note, we as a family suggest you park your car away from the house and walk up to the display to respect our neighbours.”

Craig will also be appearing as The Grinch in the coming weeks before Christmas as the Sleigh Tours, with the Cumnock Round Table, get underway locally.

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