Quick Facts
Time frame: 2019 – Present
Funding: Stardust Boat Trips – Sponsor of the annual Reindeer Parade, Event Scotland £7000, The Highland Council Ward Discretionary Fund, £6400, Muirhall Energy £3000, Rabbies £500,
Project Background
With news that The Highland Council no longer had a dedicated budget to provide Christmas trees and lights in Portree village, a group of residents came together at the start of 2019 and joined forces with the Portree & Braes Community Trust to ensure that Portree had Christmas lights for 2019 and for many years to come.
Plans for a new lighting display and celebratory event were ambitious and an astonishing £30,000 was raised thanks to support from residents and businesses. These funds allowed the group to purchase a new Christmas tree and lights to decorate Somerled Square, Wentworth Street and surrounding streets. Funds raised also enabled the group to bring The Cairngorm Reindeers to town, joining Santa in a memorable parade and celebration in the village. From axe-throwing to a bucking reindeer there were activities for all ages. Local charities also joined in the fun, providing games and festive food & drink. That same year the group went on to deliver a “Hogmanay hoolie” in Somerled Square with food, music and dancing until the early hours. This event was attended by over 1000 people!
Since then, the “Light Up Portee” group have gone from strength to strength each year continuing to deliver a festive lighting display in the village and fun seasonal events bringing the community together.
Please visit the Light Up Portree Facebook page for all of the latest news and events.
Light Up Portree Events Information
2025 event dates for the diary:
Lighting of the Christmas Tree – Friday 21st November from 6pm-7pm, Somerled Square.
Reindeer Parade and Santa’s Grotto – Saturday 22nd November from 1.30pm, from the Royal Bank to the Community Centre, Camanachd Square.