Bo’ness man’s Christmas garden spreads festive cheer

George Barnett (75) of Liddle Drive, who worked on the Forth Road Bridge construction aged just 15, hopes to build Christmas cheer.

His Christmas garden includes around 50 animals including reindeers and penguins, a Santa Claus on a big sledge, a seven foot tall snowman and a chariot. And there’s another Santa stuck in his chimney!

He said: “I did it last year, but this year I put in a lot more effort, in a bid to cheer everyone up. When people see the garden it brings a smile to their faces.

“I wrapped my fence with tinsel, with baubles all the way round and a set of lights right round the garden.

“I started in the middle of October. It’s not a big garden, but I’ve got a lot in it.

“I have to bring stuff in when it rains, but I put it straight back out when it’s dry.

“The wind can be a problem as well, but it’s all worth it.

“I’m retired so I had time to do it, doing a wee bit each day.

“It’s all finished now, but if I see a space in the garden I add to it.”

And it is not just George’s neighbours enjoying his garden. “My daughter has put me in a competition with the Bo’ness Fair for best Christmas garden,” he added.

“It’s just great that it has cheered up people in the neighbourhood. And people come from Falkirk to see it. You have to see it to believe it really, it’s quite a sight.”