Balerno’s Christmas lights are now switched on and hundreds of local people turned out to watch the occasion.
Politicians from several parties also attended the event which was organised by Balerno Community Council.
It linked in with the switching on with the Christmas tree lights at nearby Balerno Parish Church where Currie Balerno Rotary had managed to secure an appearance of Santa.
Gordon Macdonald, MSP, who is soon to retire, performed the introductions and he was joined by Edinburgh South West, MP, Dr Scott Arthur, plus City of Edinburgh councillors, Stephen Jenkinson, Fiona Glasgow, Graeme Bruce and Neil Gardiner.
Richard Henderson, chairman of Balerno Commnity Council, thanked those who had helped make the event possible.
The list included Balerno Gala, who donated the tree, Balerno Village Trust, who provided mince pies and mulled wine, and Paul Maxwell Treecare who helped place lights on the highest trees in the Main Street.
Two local school pupils helped switch on the lights and the Balerno and District Schools Pipe Band played at the church and in the square. Pupils from Dean Park Primary School sang carols.
CHRISTMAS CHEER: (left to right) Councillor Neil Gardiner, Gordon Macdonald MSP, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, Councillor Graeme Bruce, Dr Scott Arthur MP, Councillor Fiona Glasgow. All pictures by Nigel Duncan
