Humble folks team up to save Irvine Christmas lights

Nov 6 2009 by Lex Brown, Irvine Herald

AN IRVINE charity and a businessman have teamed up to save Irvine’s Christmas lights.

Retired publican Iain Murray, who set up the Irvine Town Centre and Fullarton Charitable Trust, and Willie Freckleton, one of the trustees, have agreed to join businessman Russell Drummond in a bid to to brighten up the town over the festive period.

They are to meet with solicitor Louise Brown, who is fronting a bid for the lights.

This week Iain told the Irvine Herald: “The trustees felt we couldn’t just sit back and leave the town in the dark over Christmas.

“I know it’s late but we’re prepared to pull out the stops to get a display up in time.”

Russell Drummond, head of the Phoenix Motor Group, has offered to “travel anywhere” to pick up the lights.

He said: “It doesn’t matter where. If it’s in the UK, I’ll go and collect them.”

This week depute provost and Irvine councillor Ian Clarkson said there was cash for the lights.

He said he was delighted there had been interest following last week’s Irvine Herald story.

He said: “I would like to think Irvine will embrace the spirit of Christmas.”

Mrs Brown said she was delighted the charity had come forward. She said: “If we get our skates on I’m sure we can organise something.”