Nature's doorstep offers the perfect crafty Christmas

People in the Grantown on Spey area are being invited make their own Christmas decorations using natural materials from local woods with The Highland Council's Rangers and Anagach Woods Trust.

A creative natural arts and crafts event has been organised for Tuesday 30 November from 6:30pm to 8pm in the upstairs big meeting room at Grantown Town House on the Square. Admission to the event is £2.

The event will coincide with the Grantown on Spey Winter Lights Switch-On at 7pm by Mairi Robertson former head teacher from Grantown Primary School, who will be accompanied by the school choir.

Saranne Bish, Highland Council Countryside Ranger said: "30th November promises to be great evening to get everyone in the festive mood. Join us for the arts and crafts session, see the Christmas lights in all their splendour and then do some shopping in the town after. How's that for a cool Yule evening?"

This fantastic event will include a visit from Santa, a torchlight procession from the Craiglynne with carol singing, a raffle with a television prize donated by Hydro Electric and an opportunity to peruse the shops as the local stores are opening late.

Janet Flannery has worked closely with the Grantown Business Association to arrange this exiting event while Piers Voysey from the Anagach Woods Trust has been working hard to collect wood, cones and foliage for the evening.

Saranne added: "Making your own decorations is good fun and timeless - this is how folk used to decorate their houses in days gone by. Come along and see just how creative you can be!"

To ensure funds are available for next year's Christmas lights switch-on a buffet dance is to be held at 7pm on the 3rd December at the British Legion. Tickets (£15) are available from Janet Flannery.