Dingwall lights a beacon of hope for better things ahead as Ross-shire targets coronavirus bounceback

THE gradual appearance of festive lights sparkling across Dingwall over the coming weeks is set to symbolise the county town’s resilient response to the coronavirus crisis – and the hope of brighter days ahead.

While the shadow of Covid-19 has dominated the year, volunteers are pressing ahead with erecting festive lights, with help from Dingwall Common Good Fund and local businesses.

Because of Covid-19, there will be no set-piece switch on. Volunteers will instead spend time over the coming week preparing the High Street and have asked motorists to avoid parking if possible to help it go smoothly.

The town hall clock tower will become “a beacon of hope”, said local volunteer Andrew Macivor, thanks to programmable coloured lights which can be altered for a variety of uses.

He said: “I think the lights are more important this year than ever. We are sending out a bit of hope and encouraging people to shop locally too.”

Dingwall and Seaforth councillor Margaret Paterson paid tribute to local volunteers, businesses and council officials for their work pulling together a lights display and said she hoped it would encourage people to shop locally.

She said that despite the challenges of the coronavirus crisis, the High Street is "holding its own" with encouraging signs of some new ventures.

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