On November 29, locals gathered for the annual lights switch-on, which marks the beginning of the festive season on the island, expectant of a dazzling display.
However, folks were left disappointed after the show was less than they expected.
Residents took to social media to voice their displeasure at the lack of investment into the town’s Christmas lights.
One Brandane noted that only two trees were lit up, whilst another cited how the distanced had reduced from a distance of Craigmore to Port Bannatyne, to much less.
This prompted Bute Business Improvement District (BID), the organisers of the event, to post on social media clarifying the situation.
The BID noted the disdain some members of the public had of the event’s size, but reassured everyone that the problems were down to a lack of permission to use the municipal electricity supply on Guildford Square, rather than a lack of investment.
The BID resorted to using solar power as an energy source instead, but this only lasted the one night and has caused a whole host of problems since.
According to the organisation, it wasn’t until Wednesday, December 3, that they were given permission to use the public electricity supply in the square.
On what many social media users described as a ‘shambles’ or ‘fiasco’., a Bute BID spokesperson said: “Some people are, understandably, expressing their anger about it online but, on the other hand, I have a lot more people contacting me to offer to help to get the situation resolved.
“This is just the kind of generous community spirit I would expect from the people of Bute, which is why it’s such a great place to live.
“The council has now given the green light to use the public electricity so we can now make better arrangements
moving forward.”
moving forward.”
