Banknock family's eye-catching Christmas display helping Strathcarron Hospice

A Banknock family’s Christmas display which has become the talk of the village is also supporting those living with cancer.
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Laura Acheson and partner Steven Graham are well-known for unveiling elaborate festive decorations outside their home in Viewfield Road.

The couple, who are 34 and 33 respectively, transform their garden into a miniature winter wonderland each year – much to the delight of their seven-year-old son, Tommy.

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This year, after clocking how much attention a newly purchased snow machine was attracting from children, they decided to put its popularity to good use and request donations in aid of palliative care service Strathcarron Hospice.

Banknock residents Laura Acheson and partner Steven Graham 33 set up a Christmas display every year for their son, Tommy Graham (7), which is now supporting the work of Strathcarron Hospice. Picture: Michael Gillen.Banknock residents Laura Acheson and partner Steven Graham 33 set up a Christmas display every year for their son, Tommy Graham (7), which is now supporting the work of Strathcarron Hospice. Picture: Michael Gillen.
Banknock residents Laura Acheson and partner Steven Graham 33 set up a Christmas display every year for their son, Tommy Graham (7), which is now supporting the work of Strathcarron Hospice. Picture: Michael Gillen.

The Fankerton facility is important to Laura as it cared for her auntie, Lynn Acheson, who died three years ago.

She was able to spread the word about the display after creating a Banknock Christmas Spirit Facebook page and has since raised almost £200.

Laura said: “We put it out every year anyway because our little boy, who is autistic, loves the lights.

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“I put pictures on a few of the local Facebook pages and a girl suggested putting out a charity bucket.

“Every year my partner finds something new to buy! This year it was the snow machine. We spent a full day setting it up.

“We chose Strathcarron as I lost my auntie to cancer and it’s a charity close to our hearts. So far we’ve raised £190.

“I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who’s come along to donate. We’ll keep the display up until a few days after Christmas.”

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