CHRISTMAS in Troon is set to be all the brighter thanks to a venture championed by Scottish ex-pats living Down Under.

In what is believed to be a first for Scotland, Troon will for the first time this year have its own Christmas Lights Trail, which is set to be launched in early December.

This exciting trail will cover six areas across Troon and people will have an opportunity to vote for the best ones.

Organiser Campbell Malone said: “ Over 200 Troon families are putting Christmas lights upthis year. I know where most of the lights are as I have done Secret Santa for four years. The families that are putting lights up are mostly Troon families who receive gifts from Secret Santa,.

We have divided Troon into six areas, each having a map that show which roads the lights are on.

“I am encouraging families to get out and walk as I have other wee specials up my sleeve like some Troon folks giving out candy canes etc. So we will hide 50 Christmas painted stones over three weekends around the Troon Christmas lights trail and encouraging families to get out and walk parts of the trail with their kids or grand kids, look at the lights and find the hidden Christmas painted stones.

“If they find a stone with a number on the back they get a selection box. We will have larger prizes like Christmas hampers lined up but also smaller ones too just haven’t made my mind up on how to manage that one. This is a first in Scotland perhaps although there are a few in others parts of the world.Two that I know of in NZ.”

Ian Knight, whose house in Barassie is one of the most colourful in the community is glad to be involved.

He said: “I just do it for the fun. I love Christmas lights and do it for the kids and to brighten up the neighbourhood.”

Former Troon man Derek McDowall, now living in Australia helped draw up the maps for the venture.He said: “Campbell got me involved in Troon lights primarily because I went to Marr College and although a Dundonald boy, I spent most of my youth years in Troon, I have recently retired from full time teaching.

“As I am recuperating from a knee reconstruction, Campbell thought that I might use some of my computer skills to come up with a map of Troon lights.”