Stornoway Christmas Lights switch on

In addition to the traditional count down and switching on of the lights, the entire evening was a family-friendly festive occasion.

Lewis Pipe Band marched through the crowds with a musical display which was followed by a series of dance performances from different young dancers.

A festive dash attracted a large number of runners, many of which had donned festive gear and fancy dress while Santa Claus himself was resident in Pointers Cafe with his grotto.

The fairground and rides proved as popular as ever while a number of prizes were presented for the best shop and hotel Christmas window display. Also honoured was Peigi Maclennan of An Comunn Gaidhealach who was named as the recipient of the George Newhall Shield - a prize given to the person or organisation who did most to promote Stornoway in the calendar year.

A fireworks display lit up the skies, which stayed rain free unlike the apocalyptic conditions of the same event a year earlier.

Iain Macmillian, principal of the Lews Castle, read a Christmas message before Nicolson Institute pupil Alice Macmillan, a winner of a number of honours at the Royal National Mod - performed the Christmas lights switch-on.