PICTURE SPECIAL: Festive cheer on Thurso's streets for Christmas Fun Day
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The festive spirit was high in the streets of Thurso throughout Saturday as the town's Christmas Fun Day event brought out the best in everyone.
Caithness FM was merrily blasting out the great Christmas classics from its booth at the end of the pedestrian precinct as families, many with dogs dressed up with festive clothing, made their way into the various shops celebrating the special day.
Thurso and Northwest Caithness councillor Matthew Reiss said: "Despite the freezing conditions Thurso really came to life with a big turn out and a real buzz about the town with excited children, parents and the all important grandparents! Everyone I spoke with praised the organisers and the effort that had been put in to this event so a big thank you to all concerned.”
The popular Highland Hospice charity shop was filled with customers and children were seen making their way to the back of the premises where a Santa's grotto was set up.
Susan Imlach, the manager of the shop, said: "It's gone absolutely fantastic and we've been really, really busy.
"At nine o'clock this morning there was a queue of people outside the shop. All the staff have dressed up and it's been a fabulous day. It's great to see so many locals and the community come together." Highland Hospice won runner-up prizes for the best dressed staff and window display by the organisers of Thurso Christmas Fun Day.
Socially Grows volunteer Sheena McLachlan was dressed in a Santa outfit at the shop on Rotterdam Street and also talked about how well the day had gone. "We've had a lot of people in and it's been really busy. It's really nice to see the street full of people out for their Christmas shopping," she said.
Jackie Johnson from Caithness FM said that the station's trailer had to take up a new position at the end of the pedestrian precinct due to the amount of flower planters on the street. "The people at the Highland Hospice shop have very kindly allowed us to park here and use their power supply," she said.
Jackie thought that the streets were a bit less busy due to the fact there were other events on in the town such as the craft event in the British Legion club. The radio station has run a toy appeal to help those in need for almost 30 years and various people were seen handing in gifts on Saturday afternoon.
"I'm ashamed to say it but there are more and more children every year needing our help and these days it's harder for people to donate," added Jackie. "There's more need and less about but the people of Caithness, as usual, are fantastic. We got a donation this week from an under-10 football team and it's so nice to think of children helping other children at this time of year."
Staff at Jamieson's Bakery on Rotterdam Street won the best dressed award by the organisers of the fun day event for their Cinderella costumes and a few doors along at Semi-Chem the staff were dolled up as Shrek characters. Shona Farquhar, store manager at Semi-Chem, said: "We have a raffle in aid of the lifeboat and we're just getting into the spirit of the time." The staff were dressed as Shrek characters and Shona was resplendent in her Fairy Godmother costume.
Ian Carlisle from the Messy Nessy shop across the road said his business had many activities for children and even pets to get involved in. "Santa's even been in to do some reading and helping paint some pottery. We have a Santa's grotto for dogs tonight as well."
Iain and Liz Gregory were having a leisurely stroll along the precinct and enjoying the afternoon like many others. Iain is a well-kent character for his work to better the county's roads as part of the Caithness Roads Recovery pressure group and said: "It's always a great pleasure to see the fun day in Thurso and people out enjoying themselves and raising money as well. It's absolutely great."
Thurso Food and Craft Fair at the British Legion club was extremely busy with a Christmas event and will feature in another picture special for this week's John O'Groat Journal.
