Hundreds of people turn out for Lockerbie Christmas lights switch on

Hundreds of people turned out to watch Lockerbie being lit up for Christmas on Saturday.

And the honour of switching on the festive lights fell to Jim Rae, who was named the Bev Farish Community Person of the Year for 2022.

Retired teacher Jim has been recognised for founding the Lockerbie Wildlife Trust more than 30 years ago and his work as manager at Eskrigg Reserve.

Jim previously said he couldn’t “wish for a better place to call home” than Lockerbie.

(Jim McEwan)

He was presented with his award on Saturday by Nick Farish and representatives from Muirhall Energy which sponsored Saturday’s big event.

Everyone agreed Jim was a well deserved winner.

All the fun in the town kicked off at 2pm. Free lantern-making, sponsored by Dryfesdale Church, was on in the upper town hall before a lantern parade with 70 entries was led by Lockerbie RBLS Pipe Band.

There was entertainment including dancers and singers, and stalls in the High Street before the lights switch-on at 5pm.

In a gesture of kindness and in partnership with Lockerbie Salvation Army, the Lockerbie Lights Committee also ran a foodbank to support those in need in the community, with a drop-off point at the shop in Station Square.