Stornoway’s emergency services will be dashing through the town on Friday (23 December) – and a one-horse open sleigh is about the only vehicle that won’t be taking part.

Fire engines, ambulances and 4WD vehicles from all the emergency services join in the annual emergency services Christmas convoy through town from 2.30pm.

Crews from HM Coastguard, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Stornoway airport’s fire service and Scottish Ambulance Service will be all dressed up to take their blue lights on a circuit, taking in Laxdale, Marybank, Sandwick and the town centre.

It’s not been confirmed whether the Grinch will be caught in time to be paraded through the town, but it’s certain that a whole parade of Christmas characters are ready to lift spirits in cold, dreich weather this Friday!

The picture show one of last year’s scenes around the town centre.

In other events…

Well-known musician and songwriter Willie Campbell will lead a Christmas carol concert in his home village of North Tolsta on Wednesday, December 21.

The North Tolsta Community Hall concert starts at 7.30 pm and will include hot drinks, juice, and mince pies.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

And in addition to traditional Christmas carols, there will also be a couple of Gaelic carols.

A family carol service is planned for Friday, December 23 in Talla na Mara, Pairc Niseaboist, West Harris.

The event starts at 7 pm, with tea, coffee, and mince pies to follow. All are welcome.

The new owners of Loch Erisort Inn are hosting a get-to-know-you event on Saturday, December 24, between 3 and 6 pm.

New mine hosts Scott and Elaine are inviting people to their Shieldinish premises for some festive fun and free refreshments.

On Christmas Day itself the Salvation Army Christmas service at 10.30am will be followed by refreshments.

Lunches are being served on Christmas Day at Stornoway High Church of Scotland, sitting at 1pm. Please reserve via 07823 323070 – the lunch is a gift from the congregation.

At the Fàilte Centre, a free, three-course Christmas lunch will be served at 1pm on Christmas Day. Reserve places on 07747 166758.

A Boxing Day car treasure hunt has been organised to raise funds for Uig Community Centre.

The hunt sets off from Uig Community centre and costs £5 per vehicle.

The prize for the winner is a hamper.

You can obtain more details and declare an interest here.

And later you can start 2023 in style with an award-winning line-up of live music in BBC ALBA’s Hogmanay Ceilidh with presenters Cathy Macdonald and Niall Iain Macdonald - live from Mallaig and Morar Community Centre.

Scottish Folk Band of the Year Breabach - which features Musician of the Year Megan Henderson - and Gaelic Singer of the Year Ruairidh Gray - who also recently won two Mòd Gold medals - all feature.

They are joined by Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band, Rachel Walker, Hannah Rarity, Deirdre Graham, Oban Gaelic Choir and Mallaig, Ardamurchan & District Pipe Band.

Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire airs on BBC ALBA and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal from 11.30pm on Saturday 31 December 2022, simulcast worldwide - bbc.co.uk/alba - and will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer for 30 days after broadcast.

A Remembrance Service for HMY Iolaire is planned for Sunday 1 January 2023 at the Iolaire Memorial, Holm at 1pm. 

Rev James MacIver, Stornoway Free Church will conduct the service. The service will include laying of wreaths.

Those attending should be aware that the Memorial is in a very exposed location and it is advised that warm apparel should be worn. 

In the event of severe or inclement weather the service will be cancelled.