Thousands flocked to Lossiemouth on Saturday to see the town maintain its reputation for the more spectacular welcome to Christmas.
While organisers for the annual ceremony in the town once again turned to a Soap star to throw the switch on the Christmas lights, the real stars where people themselves who dressed for the occasion.
An estimated 5000 turned out on the promenade for an evening organised by the Lossiemouth Millennium Association, who for the 14th year ensured that the event would be that little bit special.
In the past stars who have turned on the lights in the town have included Kevin McKidd and Ewan McGregor – this year it was the turn of the ‘bad boy’ of Emmerdale, Adam Barton.
Capturing the moment for insideMoray was David Robertson, who said: “It was another great night at the Lossie switch on as always.
“The Christmas lights were excellent again and the fireworks display always goes down well with everyone not to mention the shows that lined the street.
“How a Town the size of Lossie can put on such an awesome event every year is nothing short of brilliant and massive credit must go to those who organise this every year. Lossiemouth came up trumps yet again.”
Meanwhile Santa’s Sleigh led a parade along the High Street in Forres where thousands more turned out for the official start of the Christmas festivities.
Local children in fancy dress joined the parade on Saturday evening where dozens of stalls and live music was provided.
Similar scenes were enjoyed in Keith where investment in new lights and decorations were unveiled for the first time, prompting Stewart Riddoch to comment: “For many years we have had small trees with lights that didn’t really inspire or scream Christmas is coming.
“To those who organised the new ones this year, thank you – many a memory has been brought back from how I remembered Mid Street lights, so well done to all concerned.”