BY DANIEL CULLEN
Portree’s festive season got under way last weekend as Light Up Portree hosted the annual Reindeer Parade on Saturday 22nd November, before the Christmas lights switch-on in Somerled Square on Tuesday 25th November.
The switch-on, which was postponed from Friday 21st due to icy conditions, enjoyed far better weather on Tuesday and drew a large, festive crowd for the elf hunt and tree-lighting ceremony. Families gathered in the square to enjoy performances from Skye Youth Pipe Band, Portree Primary School, Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh, Portree Gaelic Choir and the Skye Wind Band – with free hot chocolate and mince pies handed out to the crowds by The Portree Hotel and Mackenzie’s Bakery.
Organiser Lorna Cormack told the Free Press the evening was “again very well attended,” adding: “I am over the moon with the crowd that came along to hear some great singing and live music from local performers. The elf hunt was a really fun event – the children love it. We had a great time as always! We are blessed with a huge amount of support from our community, including businesses that go out of their way to help.”
Speaking on social media, Light Up Portree added: “It was lovely to see so many of you here”, before offering thanks to Radio Skye, Portree Youth Club, volunteers Bill, Paul, Kai and Jo, and Lucky2BHere for keeping everyone safe.
Three days earlier, a well-attended Reindeer Parade saw the Isle of Skye Pipe Band and Skye Youth Pipe Band, followed by the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd safely escort Santa, and the following crowds, to his grotto at the community centre, where Radio Skye provided the festive soundtrack alongside a range of community stalls.
“It was a great afternoon, with a huge turnout and the community centre buzzing with families supporting all the wee community groups, chatting and drinking hot chocolate,” said Lorna Cormack. “It was so lovely to see the community coming together like that. We love it! Always one of our favourite events on the calendar.”
The parade day requires support from several local agencies including the police, traffic wardens, Highland Council staff and the local bin team, all of whom help keep the day running smoothly and safely.
Light Up Portree offered special thanks to those agencies as well as Stardust Boat Trips for sponsoring the parade, The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd team, Andrew Banks for providing straw bedding, the caretakers of The Lump for offering a secure resting space for the animals, Portree RNLI and Hunter’s Tartan Tatties for supplying food, and, of course, Santa and his elves for managing a large queue of excited children.
Reflecting on both events, Lorna added: “There are many favourite moments from both events. So many happy faces of all ages, and that is what it is all about for us. Just trying to bring a little magic and joy to the place to brighten the cold winter nights. We are very lucky to have so many folk jump on board with us.”
ICE RINK TO COME TO PORTREE
Next up for Light Up Portree is the Hogmanay family cèilidh at Camanachd Square and the community centre to end the year – but Lorna also revealed some exciting news for January 2026, which will see an ice rink – run by Wonderice – come to Portree for the first time, with more information to follow