An Angus couple’s winter wonderland of Christmas lights is raising money for a cause that is close to their hearts.
Sandy, 65, and Heather Mair, 60, from Hillside are behind the amazing display at their cottage which they decorate every Christmas.
For the past 15 years the couple — who have three children and five grandchildren — have spent time building the annual display with a bucket at the gate for donations from passers-by.
They also go out and display their beloved 1924 Fowler Traction Engine during the year to raise money for the charity or good cause that they are supporting.
Mr and Mrs Mair have previously raised money for good causes such as parcels for troops in Afghanistan and Iraq as their son was in The Black Watch.
This year’s display is raising money for Diabetes UK after the couple’s grandchild Laura Campbell from Elgin was diagnosed with the illness.
Mr Mair said they raise between £700-1,000 every year thanks to the light display — which brings visitors from near and far.
He said: “We’ve done this for the past 15 years and always nominate a charity at the beginning of the year.
“We’ve got a 1924 Fowler Tractor Engine and we go to eight or nine shows a year with our bucket to raise money.
“When we put up the lights we put the bucket at the gate and we’re always amazed at people’s generosity.
“It’s nice to see people smiling when they pass – a lot of the time it’s not about getting a vast amount of money; it’s about making people happy.
“It brightens up peoples faces and that’s what this time of year is all about.”
Mr Mair said the effort that goes into putting on a display each year is worth it when they see the response it attracts.
The couple’s granddaughter Laura was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes last year after the once bubbly and energetic Lossiemouth High pupil became tired and lethargic.
That left them in no doubt as to what charity to support this year and they are hoping Diabetes UK will be quids in by the time the lights finally come down.
The semi-retired couple — who still keep their hand in by working in the care home industry — say they have no plans to stop lighting up their cottage for many more years to come.
