Highland town gets into the festive spirit... in October

Santa is wearing a face mask and the elves are social distancing…Christmas looks very different this year.

But one town in the Highlands is getting into the festive spirit earlier than usual in a bid to banish the Covid blues.

Independent business owners in Nairn have come together to film a Christmas video, bringing some cheer to locals after a difficult year.

Janis MacLean, who runs the Coast Candle Company, said: “I think people need something to look forward to now and, regardless of what happens next, Christmas is not cancelled.”

That was a sentiment shared by Iona Hampson, who owns the Crafty Wee Birdie gift shop. She said: “Christmas is still going to happen in Nairn this year.

“You might not be able to see so much of your loved ones but you can definitely send those gifts and let them know that you’re thinking about them and that you care.”

Lucy Harding, from Nairn Business Improvement District, hailed the efforts of the town’s local traders.

She said: “We can’t have carol singing, we can’t have our Christmas lights switch-on, which is always a very popular event in the town, so we’re doing what we can to promote local businesses and to make sure that they have a successful run up to Christmas.”