Members of Kirriemuir Community Council found themselves focusing on local events leading up to another festive season when they met for their August meeting last Wednesday evening.

In attendance were Heather Fraser and Laura Law, who are involved with the Parent Council at Northmuir Primary School.

Heather is also a puppeteer, and put forward a suggestion for pupils' participation in the switch-on ceremony, which was given broad backing by members round the table.

The idea would be for the primary school children to make their own lanterns ahead of the festive season and form a procession to walk the route from Northmuir down the Roods for the lights switch-on in the Square.

Heather also suggested the inclusion of a small number of giant puppets made by the older children and perhaps some African drumming as part of the ceremony, with the school choir singing carols to music provided by Forfar Instrumental Band.

The idea of the children parading down the Roods with their lanterns took a trick with community councillors.

Chairman Roland Proctor explained that the switch-on ceremony had been organised by the community council for some years and had followed a set pattern.

"However, it would be a great idea to get the schoolchildren involved."

Heather Fraser added that it would be an opportunity to create a carnival-like atmosphere to the occasion, with the wider community involved.

"The whole thing we have in mind would be like a theatrical production, well choreographed and carefully worked out, with health and safety issues to the fore.

"Members of the Parents Council at Northmuir are trying to encourage more parental involvement in the school and, as I run a small puppet workshop, it was felt this would be something to light up the switch-on ceremony in Kirriemuir in the lead-up to Christmas."

Elliot Clark said he was impressed by the lanterns that were being carried by a small number of children at last year's ceremony, and all agreed that the suggestions put forward by Heather and Laura could sow the seeds of an idea that could grow into a real community effort.

"It is a brilliant suggestion and perhaps something we can build on, once we can get a firm date for the switch-on of the lights," added Mr Proctor.