CROWDS turned out along the route of the Christmas Tractor and Truck Run 2023 to cheer on the 255 decorated vehicles taking part.
And they were also tuning in from around the globe to watch it via a livestreame.
The jolly convoy, which had grown since last year, left Lockerbie Market at dusk on Saturday enroute to Dumfries, via Lochmaben, lighting up the night as they went.
The participants have been praised for their efforts and their festive decorations, which included full size Christmas trees, thousands of fairy lights and even reindeers.
It was a tough call but the prize for best decorated tractor went to Michael Anderson in a Massey Ferguson; the best decorated lorry was Robbie Davidson in a Daf unit and decker; Aiden Andrews’s Massey tractor was picked as the children’s favourite; best specialist vehicle title went to Allan Bodle and the yellow bin lorry; and the fleet winners were GTR.
As well as being a seasonal spectacle, the event has so far raised £15,000 for Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary’s neonatal unit.
Organiser Ryan Muir says he’s “truly overwhelmed” by the support shown and said: “To all that helped, from my family and friends and The RH Youth Organisation and everyone else who came and just mucked in, thank you from every part of my heart and soul for helping in each and every single way.
“There has been a lot of stress behind all of this and months and months of planning.”
He dedicated it to his mum and dad, who have both recently been diagnosed with cancer, adding: “Mum’s been through a serious operation with lots of hard recovery time, yet has still recovered to help with all the behind the scenes and being my emotional support to keep me going.
“Her support has meant the most to me and I wanted this run to be extra special just for her as this run means a lot to her.”
Ryan is also grateful to the spectators and added: “To all the public who have supported us throughout, standing out in the freezing cold to support and cheer us on: thank you.”
Meanwhile, a committee is to be set up to help the annual event grow and anyone keen to get involved is urged to get in touch via Facebook.
The fundraiser was inspired by Ryan’s own experiences of the neonatal unit when his daughter was born and in a heartfelt message to hospital staff, he said: “To all who help our babies in neonatal, you’re the reason we are doing this, for helping our babies and keeping us parents going!”
Donations are still being accepted at gofund.me/abd55e61
Main pic: Nikola Roxburgh Photography
