DUFFTOWN CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON TAKING PLACE ON 29 NOVEMBER TO BE SPONSORED BY DORENELL EXTENSION WIND FARM DEVELOPER

Galileo, the renewable energy developer behind the proposed wind farm, to provide a multi-year sponsorship deal in support of the town’s Christmas Lights

This year’s Dufftown Christmas lights switch-on will take place on 29 November. The event is being sponsored by Galileo, the renewable energy developer behind the proposed Dorenell Extension and Biodiversity Enhancement Plan, which is being proposed for land in the Cabrach, south of Dufftown.

Galileo has agreed a multi-year sponsorship deal to support the town’s Christmas lights, including refreshments for the switch-on event.

The event will be held in Dufftown Square at the iconic Clock Tower, commencing with Mortlach Primary School Choir performing at 4.30pm, followed by the switching on of the lights at 5.15pm, and a ten-piece Dufftown Pipe Band performing thereafter.

The lights will be switched on by Cris Thacker, Communications Manager for Galileo. Speaking ahead of the switch on, Mr Thacker said:

“On behalf of the Galileo team I am delighted that we can support the residents of Dufftown with their Christmas lights this year. We know from our discussions with local people to date that they feel very proud of their town and are keen for its local shops and businesses to be supported.

We are pleased to be able to do this through our sponsorship of the town’s Christmas lights. We hope that local people and visitors will enjoy them to Dufftown over the coming weeks.”

The event is being organised by Dufftown 2000. Chairperson of the organisation, Andy Cameron, said:

"Dufftown 2000 Ltd are delighted to welcome Galileo as sponsors of the Dufftown Christmas lights for the next 3 years. Dufftown 2000 Ltd has been responsible for the purchase, maintenance and funding of the lights since 1998 and we very much welcome and appreciate Galileo’s sponsorship going forward."

The Dorenell Extension Wind Farm and Biodiversity Enhancement Plan is in the initial stages of development. The proposals are for 74 turbines, a battery energy storage scheme and a peatland restoration project that would be one of the biggest of its kind ever created. The proposal will be subject to further public consultation shortly, before a formal planning application is submitted in 2025.

A number of local retailers will open late on the evening of the switch on, including:

The Capercaillie

Whisky Brother Dufftown

3 Bags Wool

Collectors’ Cabin

The Cozy Coo

Camlew

Dufftown Glassworks

Rustic and Roses