The £4,000 donation will be used by West Kilbride Yuletide Group to support the essential upgrading of local power supplies for the Christmas lights in the village centre – ensuring they are brought up to the latest electrical standards.

This year’s West Kilbride Yuletide will be held on Friday 1 December, with a procession beginning at West Kilbride train station at 6 p.m. The festive night usually includes a parade, Santa’s grotto, children’s games, live music, refreshments, and late-night shopping.

The group received the £4,000 donation through Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative, which supports charities and good causes in the areas the company operates in. The programme has seen more than £350,000 donated across Scotland in the last five years.

Stuart Fife, West Kilbride Yuletide Group chair, said: “On behalf of West Kilbride Yuletide Group, I wish to thank Persimmon Homes for the most generous donation for the Christmas lights in West Kilbride this year.

“It is very much appreciated, and together with many other donations this year, it will seriously help our difficult mission to continue switching on the Christmas lights in West Kilbride, not just for Christmas 2023 but for years to come.”

Chris Logan, Persimmon West Scotland managing director, said: “We are delighted to support the West Kilbride Yuletide Group, which does a great job of organising the annual event and bringing the community together.

“We want to leave a positive, lasting legacy in the areas we operate in and I hope the funding to help upgrade local power supplies will ensure the community’s Christmas celebrations continue for many years to come.”