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No, not Santa.

Electrician John Kerr has a long history of spreading festive cheer to local communities – he’s been doing it for 45 years.

John, along with colleagues in the Building Maintenance Division, is responsible for installing Christmas lights and decorations across the area, bringing a little holiday joy to thousands. 

While the pandemic means things are different this year with no public events, the lights will still shine brightly.

Early years

Starting out as an apprentice electrician in 1975, John worked out of the Inchyra Depot in Grangemouth. Once time served, he went on to work from most of the depots across the local area in various supervisory roles, until thirteen years ago when he was promoted to Assistant Maintenance Co-ordinator.

From those early years John and the team have been out in all weathers making sure the festive lights and decorations are up and working, ready for switch on.

John said: “Our Christmas organisation starts in July and involves repairing and testing all the decorations as well as reviewing new lighting requests and preparing the schedules for all the different areas.

"We decorate Bo’ness, Grangemouth, Falkirk, Stenhousemuir and Denny town centres as well as 16 other villages around Falkirk. It’s all worthwhile though, it gives the communities something to celebrate.”

John is also a well-known figure at election times and doubles as the standby electrician as well as helping with the delivery and counting of votes.

Life is never dull

Living in the Grangemouth area with wife Pauline, John has many interests outside of work and is a bit of a celebrity.

John added: “Through my love for Scottish history I’m involved in various historical groups and we’re often used as extras in films and TV shows. I’ve appeared in everything from Braveheart to the promotional video for the new Culloden Visitor Centre. 

"Probably the most bizarre weekend I’ve spent was camping in Billy Connolly’s garden in a medieval camp as part of the entertainment for his 60th birthday celebrations! 

“My two Scottish Deerhounds, Jessie and Isla also get in on the act. Jessie appeared recently in Netflix film The Outlaw King and both have been involved in a photo shoot for Harpers Bizarre magazine promoting designer clothes. They’re busier than me at the moment!”

John Apperson, Property Asset Manager said: “The team do a fantastic job all year round monitoring electrical safety in around 17,000 homes.

"However, at Christmas they really do pull it out the bag by putting the sparkle into our many communities over the festive period.

“John has served the Council well with an amazing 45 years of service, he is an electrical expert managing a complex area of business. He is a pleasure to work with.”