CROWDS flocked to Dunfermline to celebrate the first Christmas lights switch-on in two years.

The festive cheer kicked off on Sunday afternoon with the return of the popular Santa Dash.

The atmosphere built up for the rest of the day to an appearance from Father Christmas himself, accompanied by real-life reindeers, before the countdown for the town to light up.

Many switch-on events have been cancelled across Scotland but Councillor Helen Law said she was determined to make sure there could be an in-person celebration this year in Dunfermline.

"People came out in their thousands for this long-standing tradition," Cllr Law told the Press.

"Dunfermline was the only Christmas lights switch-on event in Fife as far as I know and across Scotland there has been very few out of fear that they could have been cancelled.

"I thought it was worthwhile doing something for the town and I'm glad we went ahead because there was a huge turnout.

"People were delighted to get out to something and the children were absolutely enthralled by the reindeer!

"It was a lot of fun!"

Dunfermline businesses reported a welcome boost due to the increased footfall.

Cllr Law added: "There was a technical hitch with the countdown. The lights went on right on time at 5pm but there was a miscommunication with the microphone.

"But people were grateful to have an event on and it's great positives for businesses in the town who benefitted from a much-needed boost.

"It was really good to see the town so busy and we're grateful to the Rotary Club for kicking things off with the Santa Dash."

Organiser of the dash, Graham Steedman, said: "After a gap, we were just trying to get the Santa Dash on everyone's radar again.

"There was 70 people altogether involved with the Santa Dash and 5km run, which was won by Chris Russell.

"A total of £700 has been raised for local charities. The Santas kicked the celebrations off and they certainly got everyone's attention!"