A Dumfriesshire family of self-confessed Santa fans have again turned their home and garden into a spectacular Christmas winter wonderland.
Andy and Lynn Ross, together with daughter Skye, wow the crowds every year with the festive lights display laid out at their Queensberry Brae home in Thornhill.
And those who flock to see their colourful lights and inflatables are only too happy to make a donation with the family choosing a different worthy local cause to help each year – including Dumfries and Galloway Blood Bikes, Moffat Mountain Rescue Team and Upper Nithsdale RDA (Riding for the Disabled).
This year they are fundraising for The Fire Fighters Charity in memory of a good friend Colin Speight “Speighty” and Lynn is asking anyone who comes to see the lights to contribute through a donation box there, or online at: www.justgiving.com/page/lynn-ross-1732718319663.
She said that Colin, who she first met in 2003 as they both joined the fire service and stayed friends after training at the Scottish Fire Services College in Gullane, tragically took his own life in December 2021.
Lynn said: “In memory of Colin we have decided to raise money this year for The Fire Fighters Charity who work wonders for firefighters past and present and also extend their facilities to family members of those firefighters. The firefighters charity have worked closely with Colin’s work colleagues in a bid to see them through the hard time that comes around every year towards the anniversary of his passing.
And added: “Alongside this we will donate a portion of the money raised to the South West Scotland Pipes and Drumming Academy.”
The family are delighted with the support so far and have enjoyed seeing so many people come and see their festive display with nightly switch-ons and even a snow machine.
They are also grateful to Cheryl John McClymont who kindly donated £50 towards new fairy lights for the flag pole Christmas tree which were destroyed in a storm last year, and to Huntingdon Holly Wreaths who have presented the family with a beautiful festive wreath for their front door in a much appreciated show of support.