The funding, provided through the homebuilder’s Community Champions initiative, will help ensure the town’s dazzling light display continues to bring festive cheer to residents and visitors alike. This year, the lights will be officially switched on, on Thursday 27th November at 4pm.

The town’s lights have a long history of community support. Former Newport Traders Association lead, Becky Myles, ran the High Street Christmas Festival and lights for over a decade, keeping the tradition alive even during the pandemic with a small group of volunteers.

With Becky stepping back this year, the Newport, Wormit and Forgan Community Council worked to secure the lights, with Persimmon’s donation playing a key role. The total cost of the display this year is around £6,000, and the community is now forming a new committee, with Becky’s support, to secure the lights for the future.

Iain McGouldrick, senior land manager at Persimmon North Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to support Newport-on-Tay’s Christmas lights, which play such an important role in bringing the community together each year.

“As one of Fife’s largest homebuilders, we’re proud to give back to the communities where we build and to help keep local traditions like this shining bright.”

Local councillor Jonny Tepp said: “When I was alerted to the problem, I took the issue to the community council. They were excellent in securing funding for this year, including donations from Persimmon, The Sunrise Trust, and other local fundraising.

“A new committee is now being formed under the Rio Centre SCIO, with volunteers recruited through a public meeting last week. This year’s festival is shaping up to be a real celebration, and I cannot emphasise enough how grateful we are to Persimmon for their generous support, which ensured the High Street’s lights would shine this Christmas.”

Rick Dunkerley, chair of Newport, Wormit and Forgan Community Council, said: “We are grateful for the support from Persimmon to the ‘Festive Cheer’ committee. Their donation helps us build on the excellent work of past organisers and ensures that our community can continue to deliver these fantastic festivals for years to come.”

Through its Community Champions programme, each of Persimmon’s 29 regional businesses donates up to £6,000 every quarter to local charities, schools, and community groups.