Staff, visitors and patients from across Forth Valley all joined in the countdown to switch on the Christmas tree lights in the atrium at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

Pressing the button was the Rt. Hon. Sir George Reid, former Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament and Lord Lieutenant of Clackmannanshire, who is Patron of the Friends of Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

The audience were treated to a programme of musical entertainment from the hospital’s Nurse’s Choir who sang a selection of Christmas songs, the talented clarsach player, Ruth McKay and traditional duo Guys Wi’ Gear. The Boy’s Brigade Band also struck up a medley of carols.

The tree was kindly donated by the Friends of Forth Valley Royal Hospital, who also donated ten other trees which have been placed in public areas throughout the hospital. A Roll of Honour is displayed at each Christmas tree which includes the names of more than 200 members of the public who gave donations to help buy the decorations for the trees.

Chairman of NHS Forth Valley, Alex Linkston said: “The Christmas trees really create a festive atmosphere within the hospital and we are incredibly grateful to the Friends of Forth Valley Royal Hospital for providing the trees and organising this year’s Christmas light switch on.”

Bob Ness, Chairman of Trustees of The Friends of Forth Valley Royal Hospital added: “The Friends were delighted to organise and participate in the purchase of trees and decorations for the hospital. Hospitals can be very overwhelming for a lot of people and a little Christmas spirit in the form of Christmas trees and entertainment can help brighten up the lives of patients, staff and visitors alike.

“My personal thanks are extended to Sir George Reid, Alex Linkston, The Nurses Choir, our musical entertainers and most of all to the general public who came along. The Friends will continue to support not only Forth Valley Royal Hospital, but also the community hospitals in Falkirk, Stirling, Bo’ness and Clackmannanshire, in any way possible to help bring comfort to the lives of patients, staff and relatives in time-honoured tradition. We would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a healthy prosperous New Year”.