Weather damage as Christmas lights remain in place in Wick
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Wick's Christmas lights are beginning to feel the effects of prolonged exposure to the elements.
The tree and other festive illuminations in the town centre have been on display for three months and the weather has been causing some damage – including a broken Santa.
The volunteers who look after the lights are planning some fundraising over Easter to help cover their costs.
Highland Council has made it clear that removing seasonal decorations cannot be regarded as essential work under the Covid-19 restrictions.
At Monday night's online meeting of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council, members heard that there had been negative comments on social media about the lights remaining in place.
Claire Mackenzie, chairperson of the Wick Christmas Lights Committee, said: “We’ve had comments stating that the Christmas lights committee should be ashamed of themselves for wasting vital resources during the pandemic with the lights still being switched on.
"Many areas have taken their lights down despite being told not to. I’m quite happy doing as I’m told, but my one concern is that obviously we’re the same as every other group in the last 18 months – our fundraising has been very minimal, while still going through the same outgoings.
“The longer our lights are up, the more damage we are incurring. I’ve got Santa broken in the wind and I counted another six lights out now that were on at Christmas, just because they’ve got prolonged exposure to adverse weather.
"We need to get them down as soon as we possibly can.
“We’re planning an online fundraising event over Easter so hopefully that will take off and take in a little bit of money, because obviously our costs are going to be quite a lot – considerably more than last year to repair what’s broken.”
Ms Mackenzie mentioned that her committee has to pay Highland Council to put the lights on the tree and asked about financial support. Highland councillor Raymond Bremner explained that the committee may be eligible for funding for Covid-affected activities.
Ms Mackenzie added: “I am hoping to have everything kind of back to normal this year. It looks like we’re going to be able to have Fun Day and bring back Santaland.”
